... to being technically inept. I make no apologies, though I will repeatedly say "I am sorry I cannot do this (or that)" - just my offering of a non-explanation for the fact that any chore having to do with electronics (including the phone in my pocket) is beyond my expertise. I find text messages on my phone days or weeks after the missive was sent, when I accidentally come upon the words asking questions and needing prompt responses. I do not know how to open - much less provide a quick words to shot back in return... so when the messages eventually appear it is pure luck when they pop up - long after the need for assistance has passed.
My sister-in-law reported none of the computers in their house work, even though my brother spent his adult life working with and around technology. As he began to struggle with the problems in his brain he gradually lost the ability to deal with all things technical. There are a number of electronic devices here in this house, but the only thing that responds as needed is her phone: the one he bought so she could receive photos of grandchildren to show on demand. At some point one of their smaller devices: a tablet, notebook or something that size had some internal problem. He took it apart to see if it was something he could repair - and could not reassemble the electronics. It eventually went in the trash. This from the guy who, years ago, was the only one to figure out how to make computers on opposite ends of a huge building communicate with each other when employed at AT&T.
The latter part of last year, as his mental acuity was beginning to fail, he was so frustrated with their desk top computer, the one he had built from scratch - he decided to replace it. Went to the big box store and purchased all the needed components to have what he needed. But could not make it work. The smartest guy I know, the one who loved to tinker, could take anything apart to figure it out and put it back together in perfect working condition. By the time they received the diagnosis that hit the family like a runaway freight train, it was too late to return hundreds of dollars worth of electronics for a refund.
He has done so much in this house, making improvements, adding small conveniences to make life easier. Putting in ceiling fans, installing appliances, wiring for outdoor lighting. The sort of guy who loved to be presented with a challenge, and would ponder for hours or days before putting the solution into action. Thinking things through, doing research, analyzing, considering, working it all out in his head, mentally stepping thorough the maze of options before reaching the best possible outcome. Amaze-ing guy.
This is a guy who was began his education in the era of pencils and lined paper, working problems out with your brain and a slide rule when he was in high school. Obviously found his niche in math, calculus and physics. I recall at some point when there was geographical and emotional distance between us as siblings, hearing that he made a wooden frame for his slide rule, mounted it on the wall, with a little plaque that stated: "In Case of Emergency, Break Glass." Knowing that when the whole world goes to hell in a hand-basket, the grid is compromised, all technology is worthless, he would get out his slide rule and continue to solve problems.
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