As a mother navigating daily life with a flip phone in hand, I find myself standing at the intersection of modern technology and traditional values. Living near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I assure you, I am not part of the Amish community; however, I do have friends who appreciate both their horse-drawn buggies and the latest smartphone models. While the Amish may store their cell phones in the barn, many embrace technology in their own way.
Picture this scenario: I’m on the line with a local construction company owned by an Amish family.
Me: “Hi, I need to schedule a shed installation in my backyard.”
Mr. Fisher: “Sure, we’re currently busy. Could you text me the shed dimensions?”
Me: “Oh, I’m not great at texting. Is emailing an option?”
Mr. Fisher: “Email? Only my aunt in Ohio uses that anymore. We prefer simpler methods.”
I do have some texting capability on my phone, and with substantial effort, I can manage to send messages, albeit clumsily. Yet, every time I hear that cheerful “ding!” indicating an incoming text, I feel a wave of anxiety. What if it leads to another question? Or worse, what if I need to type an address? I can envision myself old and grey, still struggling to text “415 East 23rd Street.”
You might wonder, “Are you some sort of technological neophyte?” Yes, that’s a fitting description. No offense taken. My reluctance to upgrade stems from the overwhelming costs associated with smartphones. Even if the device is free, the service plans are anything but. With three kids who also need phones (although they’d surely argue that a flip phone does not count), I often find myself prioritizing between a smartphone bill and fundamental necessities like heating and water.
You might suggest a budget-friendly smartphone plan. I’ll consider it. Yet, there are other reasons for my reluctance. I often struggle to keep up with the myriad ways people reach out to me—texts, voicemails, Facebook messages, and in-person conversations that can become overwhelming. When someone at school starts listing details about a fundraising event, I zone out around the 24th word, wishing for an escape from volunteering.
I’ve come to embrace my limitations. “I’m easily overwhelmed,” I admit. “Could you email me that information instead?” Most people are accommodating, although the Amish construction worker remains an exception.
Moreover, there’s a longstanding tradition in my life of destroying phones—whether it’s dropping one in a creek during a hike or accidentally running over it. These mishaps are easier to handle when the phone only set me back $9.
Despite my outdated technology, I find myself addicted to screens in other ways. Using a flip phone allows me to disconnect and engage with the world around me. I’m less likely to walk into walls, a talent I possess without any technological assistance.
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In summary, while I may be behind the times with my flip phone, the choice allows me to engage more fully in the present moment, navigating motherhood without the constant distractions of modern technology.