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Times Past, by Allison Symes

16/9/2022

 
Dear Jenny,

As I write this, it seems to me you were born yesterday. Yet you’re off to university. In my era the likes of me didn’t do that.

There were dreadful things about the past - the war - but there were good things. I miss my neighbours, so many have gone.

Your world seems alien, despite my using smart phones and computers.

Tell your late grandfather about net browsing and he’d wonder how many fish you’d caught!

Off you go. Make the best of things. I have. You do too.

Time doesn’t have to change that.

Granny Mary
Jennifer Duncan
17/9/2022 01:12:05 am

The letter reveals so much about the Granny's relationship with her granddaughter. Well done.

Allison Symes link
17/9/2022 04:57:20 pm

Many thanks, Jennifer.

Sue Clayton
17/9/2022 02:49:24 am

Each generation has its own changes to witness. IT and other technology arrived during my time, although some of it still baffles me, but I wonder how my three-year old great-granddaughter's time will differ from my own down the path of time.

Allison Symes link
17/9/2022 04:59:19 pm

Indeed, Sue. In my time as a secretary, I used almost everything from a manual typewriter to an electric one to an electronic one and the old 386 and 486 computers with word processing. That was in about 10 years. The pace of technological change is incredible. And some things that were sci-fi in shows like Star Trek are now reality - sliding doors, communicators (mobiles!) and so on.

Jenny Logan
19/9/2022 10:36:25 am

That's lovely, Mary.

Allison Symes link
20/9/2022 09:21:50 am

Many thanks, Jenny.

Rosemary Johnson
19/9/2022 09:56:32 pm

How many parents and grandparents are feeling this way right now!
I once made a vow never to object to new things coming along but, even so, I’m sometimes terrified by things (not technology) which younger generations accept as normal.
Well done, Allison. You’ve articulated what many people are feeling right now.

Allison Symes link
20/9/2022 09:23:19 am

Many thanks, Rosemary. In the space of 10 years, I went from using a manual typewriter in my secretarial work to using a 486 computer! Just in 10 years... when I have been to the Science Museum I've seen plenty of things in there my late parents used and some of which I've still got!


Comments are closed.

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    Since Friday Flash Fiction began in September 2013, 100-word stories have remained its 'beating heart'.

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