The Three Minute Grandparent: Automated Phone Systems

“Thanks for calling the Busy Bank Automated Phone System.  For the loan department, press 1; for deposits, press 2; for withdrawals, press 3, for your current balance, press 4, to actually speak to a live person, press 5.”  We all love these automated systems and we get them every day.  Most of us press 0 repeatedly trying to get to a live person…like that is going to happen!  Can you imagine this system being used by a family?  “Thanks for calling the happy Smith Family, to speak to Mom, press 1, to speak to Dad, press 2; to speak to Junior, press 3; to speak to Sally, press 4; to speak to Fido, Oh never mind, just come on over.”  This Grandpa began to wonder about the possibilities of use with a busy Mother and 4 children, perhaps this is how it would work.  “Thanks for calling Mom, for help with homework, press 1; for medical help, press 2; for dinner and snack inquiries, press 3; for a hug or kiss, press 4; if you want to compliment Mom, press 5.”  The Grandparent line would be much simpler, “You have reached Grandpa, for any of your needs, please hang up and open the door, I am always home!”  Automated phone systems have their place, I am sure, but this Grandpa prefers a face to face or Skype to Skype conversation.  Even though Children and Grandchildren are many miles from us, no automated system will divide us.  Love cannot wait for the automated system, it goes straight to the heart.  Now, how can I help you?

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