Unwired and Face to Face

It was last summer, but I remember as if it were yesterday,
The image forever etched upon my soul.
A family gathered together sharing barbeque with close friends,
No technology to fill the space - only conversation and eager ears.

With plates of lean steak, bowls of salads, and baskets of breads passed among us,
The young adults home from college filled their bellies and we ours.
Dad bantered with his grown children and laughter sprinkled over the table,
No technology to distract attention - eyes on the speaker and minds present.

The flow of food and drink continued for hours and yet it flew by,
Family stories told from years past and we too told our own.
Mom's nurturing spirit brought warmth to more delicate conversation,
No technology to interrupt the flow of empathy - each person available for the other.

Stomach beckoned for a pause, but soon deserts galore arrived,
And a calm settled in as the sun started to disappear.
Plans, dreams, and hopes were explored - each one creating a sparkle,
No technology to dim the glow - similar visions captured and shared by all.

Darkness came too quickly as final words embraced the night,
With winks and spars, young adults took their cues to clear and to clean.
Older adults were left to say their thanks, goodbyes, and next-times,
No technology still - only eyes on eyes and arms reaching for hugs.

Walking to our car, I felt full for the first time in a long time,
Realizing that what I devoured was so rare, so missed, so needed.
No social pathogens - just hungry hearts feasting on a buffet of connection,
And savoring each and every morsel of being - of simply being present for one another.

Wellness tip: Spend a few hours every week, or even once a day, where all technology is put away. Talk, listen to, and connect with one another - face to face. Let someone else know that you value them by being present and available for them.

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