Technology is good, but face-to-face is better

Our daughter Cassie came for a visit. She brought our two youngest grandchildren—Ellery 8 and Ezekiel 6, almost seven. They also brought sweet Wren, their cute dog. It wasn’t a long visit. Just a few hours, but we’ll take any amount of time given.

 It is a 2&1/2 hour trip, even adding a bathroom break for kids or pet. They couldn’t spend a lot of time in Kearney because Ellery had to get back for rehearsal. She’s in the play Miracle on 34th Street opening soon at the Bellevue theater.

Before Covid hysteria, we often traveled to the Omaha area, especially after Cassie and Kurt had kids. We helped, we babysat and, often, on the way home days later, we’d stop in Lincoln to have lunch with our son and our three older grandkids.

Those were good times. We made good memories. But things change. Time marches on. Our health isn’t what it was for Keith as well as me. Cassie recognized our growing health issues, and she and Kurt made more effort to visit Kearney, though we still go to their place for special events, like seeing Ellery in her play and celebrating Christmas.

 Ezekiel (Zeke’s) birthday is coming up in early November. With Cassie coming for a visit, we decided to have an early celebration. We had a cake made we could all eat (gluten free) and had his presents wrapped up. After lunch, and after eating the cake, (Zeke loved the construction-themed cake), he got to open his gifts. He loved them. He loved having an early birthday celebration.

We played a game they brought along. (Ellery bought it for her dad for his recent birthday.) As we finished playing the fun game, our sister-in-law Lorene arrived. Of course, she had to eat cake. Keith wouldn’t take no. It was all good.

The kids went to play a video game with Grampa. Wren took to Lorene, a dog person, and got lots of attention. Cassie, Lorene and I talked for a little while until it was time for Cassie and kids to head home. Keith, Lorene and I got hugs goodbye. Sad to see them leave. Lorene left soon after they left. It was a good, if brief, visit. Can’t wait to head east in a few weeks for the play.

Coming to Kearney isn’t convenient for Cassie’s family’s busy schedule. But like for us, family matters. I am thankful for family that cares and who go the second mile to stay in contact beyond Facebook, phone and video chats. Face-to-face matters. Hugs need to be in person.

I am thankful for family that makes that happen. All of us need to make the effort to reach out beyond technology to let others know we care and show it, if possible, with a face-to-face visit and a hug.

© 2025 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published Kearney Hub 10/31/2025

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