A ray of sunshine

Just when life seems worst, a ray of sunshine brightens your world.

Being a computer "wyzard" is neither glamorous nor profitable as my neighbours imagine. Respect of less capable associations is nice, and honorarium for diligence is always appreciated. However, street prices for computer resources plummet in a direct relationship with the value of the local currency.

It becomes painfully apparent that computer expertise is worth little in household markets. Powerful, new,fancy computers cost less than service on tired, out-dated systems and peripherals. Computing equipment becomes more like old tires and grocery bags ... every day!

People don't repair old computers; they just toss them aside to make room for new ones. People don't deliberately purchase computers;anymore, computers just make it easier to carry software and music and pictures.

At best, the retired hardware is sent to an "old geek's home" where the last of what fire remains can slowly ebb and cool in the company of other old and neglected digital dinosaurs. I am a typical "old geek" and my home has dozens of those retired, even forgotten, relics.

As this tale becomes darker, gloomier, and more dismal, I am blessed by a ray of sunshine. My son arrived recently, unannounced, from three time zones away; he knocked at my office door (with his wife and their daughters surrounding him). I introduced my office and family ... then proceeded to close out all of my running applications before leaving to visit at my residence.

As I led the visitors homeward, I was warmed by the first words I've heard from one granddaughter, spoken to her older sister: "Grandpa sure can make that old box fun!". And thus began a wonderful evening.