When the Florida family lived in Clearwater, the boys decided to take me out into the woods to explore their favorite hiding places, while I was visiting their home one summer.
They prepared by scraping long sticks on the front sidewalk to sharpen them so we would have appropriate “spears” for our adventure. And that’s when their father pulled into the driveway.
Both boys were excited to tell D.J. about their great plans and were crestfallen when he told them in a stern voice, “You can’t take her out there!”
Their Nana did not realize that although Bears no longer roamed her great homeland of Kentucky, the sunny land of Florida still boasted an abundant supply of dangerous wildlife such as alligators and wild boars.
I was not to meet the four-foot-long alligator that came strolling down their Clearwater Street later in the year that day.
Instead, the boys took it upon themselves to teach me a few Tae Kwon Do exercises and their favorite computer game called Runescape.
I did not have a chance to prove my spear wielding expertise and my Karate stance left much to be desired. A belt of any color clearly was not in my future.
Not being a computer expert either, I listened carefully as they explained the purpose of collecting and friending and picking up drops on their interesting game.
I looked forward to learning this game so I would have something in common with them. In my mind, I could envision that I could go back to Kentucky and get online and share time with them on weekends!
They gave me a name, created my avatar and soon I was walking down the road meeting many computer people.
I tried. Oh, how I tried to impress those little boys. After all, I could surely do this. I was not afraid of silly dragons.
Tristan told me that Nick’s favorite method of gaining earnings was collecting bones after he had slain a goblin or other creature. I was not very good at slaying and it was time for me to be crestfallen when Nick rolled his eyes (which sends misery through the very soul of any self-respecting grandparent).
He reached over and took the mouse from my hand letting out a beleaguered sigh, “Oh! Nana Gerry!”.
Arriving back in Kentucky, I made up my mind to learn that game and collect enough bones to prove I was a somewhat game smart Nana. So I went online and spent hours with many helpful players who became my teachers of all ages from across the world.
They would coach me in how to chop ivy and trees near The Grand Exchange and some of them would learn from me that every American does not drink and smoke as portrayed in the movies. Some became respected nieces and nephews and others stepped into my game life as trusted brothers.
By the time I leveled a little in enough skills to admit my Runescape escapades to my Florida team, both boys had gone on to other forms of entertainment leaving me in a Falador cloud of dust.
I recall that my Grandfather Link learned about the world not only by sitting in a classroom but by reading the pages of his monthly National Geographic Magazine.
Technology has benefits for Nanas nowadays. I am sure Grandfather Link would approve of my learning from many people who shared their world beyond computer keys and Runescape quests.