A Virtual Family

I fought the culture that brought us Nintendo, Xbox, and Wii. But finally, I just got tired of the battle. Matt insisted he was at a disadvantage entering college coming from a home school that, horrors, did not own video games. He felt his social skills were severely compromised having to admit he had only played Super Smash Brothers at friends' houses, and never achieved any degree of expertise.

Anders told me his only complaint about our home school was that we limited his computer time. "Well- roundedness is overrated," he advised.

So when Arvo said he wanted to buy us a Wii so Asherel could hold her head high when she entered college, I shrugged my shoulders.

When the Wii was installed, Asherel immediately began constructing "Miis" which are little people in the various video games that represent the different players. You name them and can make one to look like yourself, . There are myriad noses, eyes, hair styles, coloring etc. so that when you construct the Mii, it looks remarkably like the intended person.

I was shocked to walk into the room, and there was my family, all bowling on the video screen. We rarely see Anders who is very busy with his new start up business in Boston. Matt comes home from college about every 2 months. I found it oddly comforting to see Asherel playing various Wii games, and in the background, there would be Anders, or Matt. It was not quite the same as having them really here, but there were some advantages to a "virtual family".

I didn't have to cook for them, or try to keep them entertained. I could just wave and smile at their Wii image as I passed through the room. They never talked to me, but then actually, Anders is very quiet and rarely talks to me anyway. His Wii figure was not a whole lot different than when he is actually home.

It gives added meaning to the verse : "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
1 Corinthians 13:11-13
It is almost easier to settle for just a poor reflection in too many areas. I love seeing the little Wii family members, and I always smile... but they just don't quite cut it when I go to hug them.