FaceTime Convos in the COVID Era
Technology, namely FaceTime, helps bridge the isolating gaps in the COVID era. What follows below is a conversation that I had with my older brother Eddie. He’s been living with severe mental retardation for most of his life and is mute. Since he was about the age of 12, he’s been living at a long term care residential facility for the mentally retarded in northeast Philadelphia. Here, Eddie experiences FaceTime communication for the first time ever. Not surprisingly, it produces mixed results. But fFaceTime, for many others offers a measure of comfort and hope. If you haven’t ever met someone with severe mental retardation, who is also mute, it’s a unique experience for all involved parties. After all, Eddie cannot communicate verbally, can barely sign and usually communicates via facial expression only. Here’s an actual conversation between my brother Eddie and I, just a few days ago.
“Here Eddie, it’s your brother Steve,” said Christi, the center’s director.
What is that…that tiny talking picture of my brother?
It looks just like him! How is that possible?
“Here Eddie, talk to your brother,” says Christi while trying to get Eddie to look and listen to the iPhone’s FaceTime feature.
“Hi Eddie! You look good! I’d like you to meet your other nephew, Fabrizio! You might not remember my other son, Alden. It’s been several years since you last saw him, and you probably wouldn’t recognize him now. He’s only 16 but is bigger than you.”
It sure sounds and looks like Steve. But how? Who is that little blond-haired boy who keeps saying my name?
And why doesn’t Steve just come and see me? It’s been a long time since we were together.
“Eddie, don’t you want to talk with your brother?” says Christi.
My brother? I haven’t seen my brother since forever, that’s not him.Why don’t you understand that?
“Eddie is distracted; it’s almost lunch time. Maybe you might wanna try again later today? It’s best to call after he’s eaten a meal. He’s always more pleasant then,” said Christi.
I want to see Steve in person! I don’t remember when I last saw him. And No I’m not that hungry!
FaceTime has been an underrated godsend…
FaceTime has been a comforting friend during these COVID times. It has allowed me to bridge the gap between California (where I reside) and Philadelphia (where Eddie lives). No, I’m not an Apple employee but their video and audio chatting platform has made these trying times less difficult.
As my brother is essentially confined to his care facility he’s completely dependent on others for everything: communications, trips/visits, meals, clothing/bathing, and more. He’s an adult only in appearance. His actual IQ is 19…
One day, possibly later in 2021, I may safely visit him and take him out for either lunch or dinner, maybe a movie or a walk in a park. But for now, this video/audio chatting platform is a lifesaver. I’m grateful and find a modicum of comfort and peace knowing that I can visually see that my brother is happy and healthy.
I took extensive liberties trying to imagine what might have been coursing through Eddie’s mind upon encountering FaceTime for the first time in his life with his younger brother that he hasn’t seen, or spoken to, in a few years.
