The world of technology has come a long way, just since the year of my birth in the early 1980’s.

During my lifetime, I have seen the boom of the Internet, smartphones, tablets and much more. 

A couple of months ago, my parents surprised me with an Apple iPad for the sole purpose of utilizing the Facetime application to see and talk with my nephew. 

Of course, I use the tablet for other things, but my most favorite thing in the world now is to see his little face on the screen. 

Facetime is a great tool for those living far apart from loved ones. 

It got me thinking about my own relationship with my grandparents. 

My mom’s parents lived in Kentucky and if we were lucky; we got to see them about four times a year. 

We visited in the summer and during the holidays my grandparents, health permitting, would travel down here. 

My childhood was dotted with weekly phone calls to my grandparents and I would tell them all about school, my friends and any other news I was bursting with excitement to share. 

I will never forget those summers I spent on their farm feeding the animals, picking and shelling peas and learning how to be a country girl. 

I always wished I had had more time with them. 

They have both passed on now, but their memories will always live on in my heart. 

They were not technology gurus, but they spoiled and loved their only two grandchildren and I know they would have used Facetime just to be able to see us. 

I’m grateful for tools like Facetime. 

It allows me to be a part of my nephew’s life, as well as keep in touch with my sister and brother-in-law.