Growing up, having an eccentric mom was always a double-edged sword. My mom — let’s call her Carol — had her fair share of questionable decisions, like taking me to see my first R-rated film at just three years old. I can still vividly remember watching The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas in a packed theater, surrounded by adults and feeling like I was part of something secretive and thrilling. Those experiences were priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
However, Carol also had her quirks. She would exercise in high heels, suggest we drink soda in the morning if milk was running low because our dog loved it, and leave long, philosophical messages on my answering machine — often inspired by her favorite daytime talk show hosts. But nothing could quite prepare me for the whirlwind that ensued when Carol decided to leap into the digital age by joining Facebook.
Before diving into the chaos that followed, it’s essential to recognize that my mom is quite intelligent. She’s a writer, a teacher, and an avid reader, with a knack for engaging in spirited conversations about contemporary politics. Yet, when it comes to navigating the vast world of the Internet, she finds herself lost in a maze of confusion.
At 71, after spending years as a stay-at-home mom, the concept of having a platform to voice her unique opinions and ideas was daunting — to say the least. For anyone, especially someone from an older generation who once relied on operators for phone calls, figuring out modern technology can feel like embarking on a scientific experiment where the outcome is uncertain and often messy.
In my family, 2017 will be remembered not just as the year Donald Trump took office, but as the year Carol transformed into the unofficial Facebook overachiever. Since joining, she has shared an astronomical number of posts—about 4,376,932 images featuring birds, rainbows, and adorable puppies. When my siblings and I attempted our first intervention regarding her incessant sharing, Carol simply replied, “My followers would be devastated if I didn’t share the things that bring me joy.”
It was as if she had tapped into a newfound purpose. We could practically see the glow of significance surrounding her, echoing Sally Field’s famous line, “They like me… they really like me.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Carol took it upon herself to wish “Happy Birthday” to random acquaintances on their walls or comment on friends’ photos by mistaking siblings for their mothers. We’ve been blessed with her detailed narrations of our lives, often followed by a barrage of unrelated emojis that seem to have no connection to the original post.
For instance, if I share a photo of my son drumming, you can bet she’ll comment with, “That’s my grandson, Finn, playing the drums. Finn is 9 years old and loves soccer, pizza, and once held a tarantula at camp (star, rainbow, ocean wave, fire truck, rain cloud).” What was meant to be a simple snapshot turns into a lengthy historical account.
While her intentions are pure—rooted in love for her family—following Carol on social media can feel like being momentarily held captive by her unfiltered stream of thoughts. Her unique quirks have seamlessly transitioned from the physical realm into the digital space.
Yet, I must commend my mom and all the Carol’s of her generation who are bravely navigating the whirlwind of modern technology. I’m genuinely pleased that she hasn’t shied away from this challenge. As she ages and my siblings and I grow more concerned about her safety, her engagement online allows her to remain connected, all from the comfort of home. It reduces our worry about her encountering dangers in the outside world, as her “mishaps” now unfold in the less perilous realm of cyberspace.
Mom, keep up the good work. If nothing else, you’re providing entertainment to the world, one misplaced comment at a time. For more unique insights into navigating family dynamics, check out this article.
In summary, my mother’s venture into Facebook has been a comical adventure, filled with her heartwarming yet chaotic approach to social media. It serves as a reminder of how important it is for all generations to stay connected, especially as we navigate the complexities of life. For those interested in family planning, consider reading about fertility options here or explore excellent resources for pregnancy treatments here.