Compare all of these things to today. The real challenge is try and explain to your grandchildren, They would look at you and laugh. They can’t even imagine life without a cell phone. What is so special about a cell phone? The younger generation could tell you.

Being connected has changed. Every Tuesday morning, I talk with a former student in Canada and I don’t even do it on a phone. I have an iPad and we dial her number and there she is. I can see her as well as talk to her. I also talk with my friend in California. She is five minutes from the beach and as we talk, I can hear the waves on the shore and if she turns the iPad, I can watch the waves splashing against the sand.

In my wildest imagination, never did I think when I was a teenager that any of this would be possible. Back then, I couldn’t even call my boyfriend in Hershey because it was long distance. And if I did, I had to wait until 8:00 P.M. for a cheaper rate. Today there is no such thing as long distance. I can talk to anyone, anywhere at any time.

Not only have cell phones and iPads made it possible to see and hear from people, but they are also cameras. Instead of snapping a picture taking the film to the drugstore to have it developed and then mailing the print to me. A picture can be taken and almost instantly appear on my iPad.

Technology today has made a huge difference for me. I am more connected to friends and family. I use it to research and write my column. It has opened my world to more sights to see, more friends to visit and I even go to church via this cyber space connection. My world has grown thanks to technology.