Grandma and Grandpa Spring

I have given some thought to this post for about 6 months, and I think it's about time to share my thoughts.

My Grandparents were wonderful people. I was never close to them like some people are close to their grandparents, but I always enjoyed spending time with them. We moved around a lot when I was young, so we would see them once or twice a year. And, I have some wonderful memories of getting up early to go fishing with Grandma and Grandpa and Scienceguy. I also have some GREAT memories of baking chocolate chip cookies with Grandma. I remember we often had cookies for breakfast because we baked them in the mornings as we watched cartoons. There were MANY other fond memories, but I will stop there because you get the idea. My childhood memories aren't necessarily the point of this post.

I remember going to Grandma and Grandpa's, where they lived my whole life until they were moved into the residence home, and I am amazed at some things.

First off, they had a bathtub. There was not a shower in their home. Ever. Not in the home I knew them in. It was a simple house, and it was nice, but it didn't have a shower.

They also never had a dishwasher. I remember the adults would help out at each meal washing, drying, and putting up dishes. I remember as a kid, putting dishes away. Well, okay, cups were my job, when I did help. I remember the adults having fun as they did it. They talked as they did it, and got closer because of it. I should also mention, we were a "no drama" family, where everyone got along, so it was always a pleasant place to be. I loved it, and only had fond memories there.

You're now thinking, "Okay, so what's the point of this post?" I'm getting there...

My Dad talked once about going to the outhouse as a kid to use the restroom in the middle of the night. At one point in his life, that was normal. So, my grandparents went from a time when there wasn't plumbing indoors, to indoor plumbing. I sit and ponder that and it's kind of mind boggling to me, as I have always had indoor plumbing. It's something I take for granted daily.

So, yesterday I was in my new school where we have automatic toilets and sinks. Yes, after you doing my business, I now stand up and it flushes for me! I walk over to the sink where the water comes on automatically, as I wash my hands with an automatic soap dispenser as well. After washing my hands, there is an automatic towel dispenser to give me the towel.

Yesterday I wondered what my Grandpa would think about the current bathroom technology. Oh sure, it's here to reduce germs, etc. I know that. But, what would he think? He went from a society that didn't even have TV's or cars, to a world with indoor plumbing, cars, and cable TV. He didn't even know the internet, so that would be a whole other post in and of itself. I wonder what he would say. I don't know...but it's fun to think about it.

I really miss my Grandparents. They are in heaven now, and are free from the pain they experienced here on this side of heaven. I really miss them.

I sit here without my own knowledge of a Wii or an ipod. In my own way, I'm out of touch myself with current technology.

It leads me to wonder where we'll be when I'm in my 80's and 90's. Where will technology be then?

I don't know. It's amazing to ponder.

Automatic toilets, sinks, soap dispensers, and towel dispensers.

What is next?

Hum...

Life.
Is.
Good.