Comments on: Column: This Empty Nester Loves Skype

By: Jo Mathis

Jo Mathis — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:40:14 +0000

Cindy, how wonderful that a day that could have been lonely was instead family-filled and festive.
As for the added dimension of scent – it really does seem that anything’s possible now. Just for an hour, wouldn’t you love to fast forward 10 years to get a load of 2020 technology?

By: Cindy Overmyer

Cindy Overmyer — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:10:58 +0000

My family and I had a “Skype Christmas” last year when I was unable to be with them – we opened our gifts together; my nephews watched me put the gift ornaments they made for me right on the Christmas Tree behind me on the screen, and after a break, my folks put the laptop at my place at the table and we had a Christmas dinner! The kids thought the whole thing was great, and we grown-ups enjoyed the day and chit-chat and food prep goings on. My own dinner was much more modest (alas!): perhaps Skype can develop some “smell-o-vision” capacities:-) It was great to see and hear not only my family but their Christmas decor, the kids running around, even the cat prowling in the background (often trying to jump up on table or counter to get to that fabulous turkey!) Much nicer (and cheaper) than a phone call:-)

By: Jeff Westbrooks

Jeff Westbrooks — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:21:19 +0000

Unfortunately our computer setups don’t allow this as she uses our home desktop and I just have a room in a house. Also it is important to minimize any chance of spillage so eating around a laptop is kinda risky.

By: Jo Mathis

Jo Mathis — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:36:03 +0000

Jeff, your situation is the best use of Skype I’ve heard yet. Do you sometimes actually eat dinner along with your family? I can see both laptops placed at the table as you share your days. Let’s hope you’re back together soon. (Curses to this lousy economy!)
I’m also glad you’re able to keep up with Ann Arbor via The Chronicle. Few people care more about what’s happening here than Mary and Dave.
All the best!

By: Jeff Westbrooks

Jeff Westbrooks — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:02:20 +0000

I’ve had to work in Augusta, Ga for over three years now and without Skype I don’t think I’d be able to do it. Hopefully, though it looks more and more bleak, there will be jobs back in the Ann Arbor area so I could live with my wife and enjoy my home town.

By: Jo Mathis

Jo Mathis — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:04:35 +0000

Carol, I’m so happy you’re able to see and talk to your son in Japan. And I wish I could have seen your father-in-law’s expression when they were Skyping. There’s a lot of needless communicating going on these days. But video chats between separated loved ones? Awesome.
And yes, I remember those days of expensive long distance calls. It’s hard to relax and enjoy the conversation when you’re worried about the bill.
Skype on!

By: Carol Fast

Carol Fast — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:18:29 +0000

Jo, I couldn’t agree with you more. Skype saved me when my “baby”, Peter, moved to Tokyo 2 years ago. My father-in-law was near to tears when we arranged for him to Skype Peter. At age 84, he had said goodbye to his grandson afraid that he would never see him again. We started out talking almost every day but are now down to every week or so. It’s still much better than snail mail or the monthly “This is costing a mint” phone call that I managed with when I left home.

By: jo mathis

jo mathis — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:04:10 +0000

Steve, Skype your son in Hawaii and I bet you’ll be a convert, too. Especially if there’s a sunset in the background.
But I hear ya. My daughter’s been at college six days now, and our contacts are becoming fewer, as they should. She needs her space. But she also understood how eager I’d be to hear from her those first few exciting days. Since then, two other daughters – one at school in Ohio and another seven miles away – have downloaded Skype and love it. It’s a kick.

By: Stephen Cain

Stephen Cain — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:42:05 +0000

Okay, I’m older than the hills, but sometimes I wonder if too much connectivity can be too much. And also, do you really want to know EVERYTHING your kids are doing? We had a rule as we sent our seven children off to college one by one — You cannot come home until Thanksgiving! — and it seems to have worked out okay. They all learned to fly and and all have circled back (after Thanksgiving) for frequent visits. And as for contact, e-mail, the phone, Facebook and in-person visits work just fine (although I’d like to see our son in Hawaii more often).

By: Jo Mathis

Jo Mathis — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:07:28 +0000

I knew those CHS kids are high achievers, but didn't know that. Thanks, MT. Read about Josh Silverman at: [link]