Here is the letter from “Kuya Betong”

Hi AJ,

I just read your article about computers and your dad passing away. I just have to say that my dad also is very fascinated with computers. When he gets home, he always asks me about the latest in cellphone, computers and even laptops.. And everytime, I try to a give him the latest from the "teki" world. I'm no computer genius.  I just depend on ads. ;-)  But we get a kick out of it. and everytime, we both end up convinced that time really has changed.. Earth is getting smaller by the minute. My dad's sick.  But he still goes out of the house. visits old friends and family..  I may know more than him in regards to computer but his wisdom in life is better than mine or all our relatives combined. Because of your article, i'm planning on spending more quality time with my dad for as long as his body could muster.

You and your family will be in my prayers.

Thank you and God bless!

If my Dad were still with us I am sure he would find it amusing and comforting that he wasn’t alone in his ineptness and fascination at the latest technological advances. 

I know I do.  It is often said that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but at least we young pups can keep them informed and reasonably up-to-date.

I can just imagine him and I talking now, and I find myself wondering how to best explain to him the difference between a 32-bit processor, a 64-bit Processor, and the new dual-core 64-bit processors.  (Which has just recently gotten down to affordable consumer price-levels.  And to think there’s already talk of a QUAD-core for 2007!)

As I mentioned above, I only intended to share my thoughts and feelings.  It was completely unexpected that anyone would be so moved by it.  However, I am glad that in some small way my sharing had a positive effect.  “Kuya Betong” says he will endeavor to spend more quality time with his father.  And that is always a good thing.

Technology is typically depicted as cold and impersonal.  It can be, for sure, but it doesn’t have to be, and I think my experience and “Kuya Betong” proves that.