435 - You're not getting any younger

Those are the words my son said to me when I refused, for the fourth time, to buy him an iPhone.

He was in high school and I thought the iPhone beyond his needs, and my wallet.

Picture this.

My son and I were sitting in front of the Apple Store at the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park in NYC.

We were there looking at schools he was interested in attending after high school.

Meanwhile, my daughter and 2 of her friends who came along for the trip were lost on the subway. I told her to look at the map and figure out where we were.

We would be waiting right there on 5th Avenue in front of the Apple Store.

This gave my son plenty of time to present his case about needing an iPhone.

We argued back and forth for about 20 minutes until suddenly, he looked me straight in the eyes and said, 'MOM, you aren't getting any younger. You need to keep up on technology!!"

OUCH! The conversation took a turn I wasn't expecting and, HE WAS RIGHT!

I regained my breath and said, "DUDE! YOU ARE GROUNDED UNTIL YOU'RE 30! I'm going to buy an iPhone".

We both got iPhones that day. And ever since, every time I need help all I do is text him, "HELP" and he is there.

I'm grateful my son had the nerve to be so bold with me 12 years ago.

Sometimes it takes strong words to get through to us when we aren't aware that we are holding ourselves back.

I now look at people my age and cringe when they can't figure out how to use simple functions on their smart phones and computers.

It was a great reminder that we must embrace change.

If you have parents in their 50s-60s who have trouble using their digital devices, encourage them to learn how to use them now, because "the way things were" is gone forever.

Introduce them to the many books, Youtube videos and tutorials that can help them navigate their way around their digital devices.

We can all help each other in so many ways.

Remember, while none of us are getting any younger, we're not dead yet.

We can all continue learning and helping others.

Have an amazing weekend!!