(Railway track – there was nothing coming…)

Today as I write (Monday) my sister and her family have woken up in their new life in Canada. A few hours later than us and six degrees warmer (information via iPhone). I know they are enjoying the experience and I know one of their bags is missing (information via Facebook).

(Oops!)

Because of the internet and its many handy little applications (and my sister’s love of writing in Facebook!) I know their every little movement. Twenty-five years ago my brother left Ireland to live in Australia. There was no iPhone, no Skype, no Facebook. He wrote letters and we replied. He made expensive phone calls with long delays and we listened. These days my mother has a Facebook account and can tell me what my daughter is doing.

(Weeds beside the tracks)

My relationship with Facebook up to now has been rocky. But today for the first time I see the value of it. I see his worth. My appreciation is growing, in fact there’s a possibility I may become infatuated. Or should that be addicted? I now realise it is a device for making the world smaller. Although it is very expensive… in time, for something special like keeping in touch with people who are far away, it is worth the cost.

(Stones on the beach, with Bray Head in the background))

Already I’m wondering what my sister had for breakfast.

What’s on your mind? Mairead