From Morse code to Zoom Messaging, a lifetime journey
How far we have come in communications
I recently visited my 96 year old uncle to pay my respects and swap a few stories.
Noel Lives on his own in an ancient cottage with a huge garden area to keep him busy.
On this day he had a small problem with his computer and wondered if I would check it out, He had lost sound on the music videos. New computer the latest versions with all the bells installed.
I casually asked where he got his internet connection and he showed me the new IPhone and hot spot linking. Worked just fine for him.
I Found a loose cable and fixed the problem so all was good.
We started chatting about life in generally.
When he first started work it was as a telegram boy at the Post Office. However, to get the job you had to use and understand Morse code.
When the War arrived some time after this new career he enlisted in the Forces to become a signals' operator with the Navy. This career was cut short when they found out he was underage and had got in with a false birth date.
He then did engineering at the Railways through to retirement.
Noel has four daughters a son and a whole host of grand kids to keep up with.
He now has a Zoom meeting with the girls every evening to discuss the days events and for them to ensure he is OK, as a side benefit.
It still amazes me how far we have come over the past years when a Telegram boy using Morse Code to get the message and riding a push-bike to deliver the written transcript to a customer is still with us today but;
No Morse code anymore , no telegrams and No pushbike posties.
However some things never change Noel still rides his pushbike ( now electric) but with his I.phone 10 in the pocket in case he has a tumble.
For more Uncle Noel stories
Regards
Peter Hanley
Recent Comments
12
Awesome, Peter! I'm glad you were able to help him out! Our elders are very wise and experienced and are great teachers! I hope he lives a lot longer, my friend!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff,
No camels available not even a Kangaroo to put in the picture. LOL
Yes a great life we can all envey.
Peter H
At 96 but still able to ride his pushbike, he's so amazing and so blessed indeed. Imagine from, Morse code to Zoom, and yes technology these days is so fast changing, it's hard to keep up to date.
Hi Hanley
We've experienced one change after another since my birth (the early 50s).
The effect of those changes, I think, has been exponential and as we all know, the biggest lifestyle changes have been mobile phones and the internet after about 1990.
I often wonder what my Grand Parents would make of it all, and how they would cope if they came back!
:-)
Richard
Thanks Richard ,
I go back to mid forties however when I feel age I think he has 20 years on me so I am young.
If Joe Biden can run the world at nearly 80 we can at least survive at WA.
Peter H
It's certainly amazing how technology has progressed and changed our lives. Your Uncle Noel is doing well at his age, I have friends his age who simply can't use mobiles or PC's. All the best. Jim
Thanks Jim,
we also SMS each other on occasions to keep up.
I hope i follow the genetics
Peter H
See more comments
Brilliant post and at 96, is doing exceptionaly well