Slice of Life: Staying Connected NOT on Vacation

There is something special about leaving right when school is out and starting summer vacation with a trip to the beach for sun, fun and relaxation.  We started this habit three years ago and this year we traveled to Destin, Florida. The white sands and beautiful  warm Gulf of Mexico was a perfect combination. I wrote several Slices sitting in my chair as I dug my toes into the sand and breathed in the view.

I seek peace and quiet.  My ocean view, book and an icy cold beverage is a perfect combination for me.  I am a quiet observer of others as I take a break from my book to walk the beach with my husband.  This summer I was saddened as I noticed a trend that I have been seeing with several families.The trend happens on the the beach and when we were out to eat. The lack of family conversations. More and more adults and their children were on their iPhones or iPads even watching movies while they were at the beach or eating dinner.  I am so thankful we raised our children during a time when being connected wasn't "the thing."  I wanted to give young children 4 crayons to color on the menu or play Tic Tac Toe with their father because that is what we use to do when we went out to eat. I wanted to walk over to a family of five all on their devices and say,  "This is precious time that you will never get back with your children. Talk to them before sports and school take over again."  It's saddens me how our world has become so connected that we are not even connecting with the ones we are sitting with on the beach or dinner. I am guilty of being on my phone and posting photos to facebook too. But I chose to leave my phone in the car when we were eating. I know it's a challenge for families to stay connected through conversations; however my dream would be vacations iPhones are off limits for moms, dads and children.