Growing up with an eccentric mom was always a blend of amusement and bewilderment. My mother, whom we affectionately refer to as Carol, had her fair share of questionable choices, like introducing me to my first R-rated movie at just three years old. I still vividly recall watching “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” in a theater full of adults, with not another child in sight. Despite the oddity of it all, I cherished those experiences and wouldn’t trade them for anything.
On the flip side, Carol had her peculiar habits, such as working out in high heels and suggesting we drink soda for breakfast if we ran low on milk—because our dog loved milk and she didn’t want him to feel let down. When I left for college, she would leave lengthy, philosophical messages on our family’s answering machine, expounding on the wisdom of her favorite talk show hosts. But nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind that followed when she decided to embrace modern technology and, believe it or not, join Facebook.
Before I delve into the chaos that has ensued since my mom caught the “social media bug,” it’s worth noting that Carol is quite intelligent. She’s a writer, an educator, and an avid reader who can engage in spirited debates about current affairs. However, when it comes to navigating the complexities of the Internet, she struggles immensely.
For a 71-year-old who spent decades as a stay-at-home mom, grasping the concept of social media as a platform for sharing her unique perspectives and personality traits is both amusing and slightly alarming. Figuring out technology can be a daunting task for anyone, let alone someone who once relied on operators to connect phone calls. For my mom, confronting modern devices feels like an unpredictable science project just waiting to explode, covering innocent bystanders in the chaotic remnants of her trial-and-error learning process.
While many remember 2017 as the year Donald Trump took office, my family will likely recall it as the year Carol transformed into an enthusiastic Facebook overachiever. Since joining, she has shared an astonishing number of images—roughly 4,376,932—featuring everything from birds to rainbows and adorable puppies. During our first family intervention to address her rampant sharing, Carol simply replied, “My followers would be heartbroken if I didn’t share things that bring me joy.”
Unfortunately for her children, Carol has found her calling. We could almost see a halo of significance surrounding her as she channeled her inner Sally Field, exclaiming, “They like me… they really like me!” It’s not enough that she wishes “Happy Birthday” to a random friend on someone else’s wall, or comments on our friends’ photos, mistakenly complimenting their mothers when it was actually their siblings. The true gift is how she narrates every moment of our lives, often embellishing with a flurry of unrelated emojis of her choosing.
When I post a picture of my son playing the drums, I can guarantee she will comment, “That’s my grandson, Liam, playing the drums! Liam is 9 years old. He adores football, pizza, and once held a tarantula at camp (emoji: bicycle, panda, ocean wave, fire truck, rain cloud).” What was intended as a fleeting snapshot quickly morphs into an extended historical documentary.
Yet, her intentions are pure; she genuinely loves her family and yearns to share her pride. If you follow Carol or any of her relatives, you might find yourself unexpectedly subjected to her unfiltered stream of consciousness and whimsical musings. To say my mother’s quirks have seeped into the online realm would be an understatement.
Despite the chaos, I must commend my mom and all the “Carols” of her generation for their efforts to navigate the fast-paced digital landscape. I’m thankful she hasn’t shied away from engaging with the world around her. As she ages and my siblings and I become increasingly concerned for her safety, it’s comforting to know she can partake in experiences from the safety of her own home. It’s a relief that her adventures can now unfold in the less hazardous environment of cyberspace.
Mom, keep up the great work. If nothing else, you’re providing the world with entertainment, one poorly-executed comment at a time. And if you’re curious about the intricacies of home insemination, check out this informative post. For further resources on artificial insemination, I recommend visiting Make a Mom, a trusted source on the topic, and Mount Sinai’s infertility resources for comprehensive information.
In summary, my mother’s foray into Facebook has not only transformed her but has also provided us with endless amusement. Watching her navigate this new territory highlights the generational gap in technology while showcasing her desire to connect and share her joy with others.