I had not heard of the communication app called Zoom until this pandemic took over our lives. Then Zoom quickly became a part of everyday language, like email and texting. So we downloaded Zoom and started using the “user-friendly” app to stay in touch with others.
We have used Zoom to connect with both our sons and their families at the same time. It’s so nice to see everyone: Gary and me in Northfield, our oldest son and his family in Minneapolis, and our youngest son and his family in Colorado.
We have used Zoom to connect with other groups too. I meet weekly with my book club.
I’ve participated in a church ministry meeting using Zoom, and small group. We connected with out-of-state friends over a “social hour” one evening.
I have also started a story time with my two grandchildren in Colorado…I set up the meeting and their parents get them situated on their end and then I start reading children’s books to them and they stay focused and seem to enjoy it as much as I do. It feels good to me to be able to connect with them this way.
We even had an Easter egg hunt over Zoom. On Easter Sunday Gary and I hid Easter eggs around our house.
Gary took his phone using Zoom and walked around the house letting the grandchildren find the eggs as he scanned the rooms. When the kids spotted an egg they’d call it out and tell us the color. It turned out well…it was fun to see all three grandkids engaged in this activity (the fourth grandson is a newborn). They may not remember this Easter egg hunt but we sure will. It helped me overcome my sense of sadness at not being able to gather together in person to celebrate Easter, my favorite holiday.
And so, the beat goes on…and we will continue to use Zoom to connect with family and friends. This pandemic would be a lot more difficult without the technology we have these days to stay in touch. I’m grateful for it.
I’m grateful for technology, too, that connects us during this time of separation from loved ones. I love your creative uses of zoom with the egg hunt and storytime. Well done, my friend.
Thanks Audrey.
Oh, I so agree. Life would be so much harder if technology wasn’t available to connect us and to entertain us. We are fortunate, and I continue to remind myself of life’s gifts when I start to get down. I know that I am blessed, and I don’t ever want to forget that. Thanks for bringing that to the forefront of my mind again, Valerie!
It is wonderful to count our blessings…especially in the difficult times!
Isn’t Zoom a wonderful invention? Loved seeing your book club – found a few familiar faces. Loved seeing you read to your grandchildren. I FaceTime a friend in CA and have read to their 2 and 4 year old children while Fumiyo fed their 3 month old baby – whew! Such a well written and interesting article!
Thank you Shirley.
FaceTime is another great tool for connection. It’s wonderful to have the options.