For the past year a running joke in our family has been that this weekend we are going to be unplugged. Although a novel concept, turning off all electronics and centering on getting back to the norm of yesteryear where social media, text messaging and surfing the World Wide Web were all nonexistent and merely a grander thought of futuristic dreams, it is a bit more difficult than one would think.

I have routinely thought, and even joked with others, about how purely insane our lives have become, tethered to the seemingly restraining power of electronics. It seems like not long ago I was filled with excitement over my newest toy; a bright shiny bag phone issued to me by the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office. While engaging in the act of simply plugging in the power source and screwing in the affixed antenna; I would be instantly tuned into a world not unlike the one I viewed on the television and be unrestrained. Today, it’s difficult to imagine a day, or moment without one.

Not being restrained and reachable has become a concept far removed from our current cultural norms. In many instances, we have a generation walking amongst us who are willing but unable to visualize the very concept because truly, that old life was never a part of their existence. The thought of leaving all electronic equipment at home and not engaging is wrought with fear, cold sweats, body tremors, and ultimately disabling anxiety. Which brings me to the rest of the story as once coined.

This past week, the girls and I decided that we were getting away for a week as a reward for another school year accomplished and in preparation for the summer rush at the Motel. My wife had the novel idea that she wanted to truly “unplug” and spend the time in a fashion unlike any other family vacation we had experienced. This time would not only allow our little family to become engaged with each other more readily but also allow the girls to experience a time where the real things in life were important rather than then spending money and shopping. Nestling down with a good book, playing board games, and doing some fishing were on the agenda and I can truly say; I was all in, yet we had to ensure that adequate WiFi access was achieved at our destination, you know, in the event there was an emergency.

Our arrival came without a hitch and as we traversed the rocky gravel driveway leading to the cabin, merely feet from the lake, a sence of relief flowed over me. The cabin was modern, yet secluded, quiet, yet clean. A secondary sense of relief came over me when I viewed the beautiful, grey sphere affixed to the roof top; which would undoubtedly allow me to view any emergency weather information coming in our direction, compliments of satellite television.

Unpacking and getting settled in was a joyful occasion as the girls explored their very own “big girl” bedrooms and the expansive living quarters. Surveilling the lay of the land per se, revealed that many before us must have had the same idea of unplugging considering the mere amount of puzzles and board games prominently displayed throughout the cabin. Then the thought overtook me… why would there be such a large quantity of “Unplugged” games and offerings in our modern times. As the anxiety began to surface and the feelings of unease began overtaking me; calmness resounded upon the sight of a small black box with flashing lights. My relief of seeing the WiFi box was evident; so I would need to truly hide my joy and disguise my elation as that of calm approval. As I voiced my pleasure at the location I simply advised my loving wife “Oh yea, there’s the WiFi if needed later on”.

As we continued getting a lay of the land, I, utilizing my best tactical prowess, obtained the password and sneakily entered those golden WiFi characters into my device, purely for the reason of obtaining emergency information …. truly, that was why… I’m pretty sure. It was then that I realized the heavenly sight of the WiFi box was merely a ploy to drive a modern man insane because to speak in kind terms… it didn’t work. A lack of WiFi combined with the cellular service being barely existent, it was looking like the week would be interesting to say the least.

The sweats returned, carrying with them a series of body tremors, as the thoughts of being able to spend a week without searching social media and maintaining a knowledge of what was going on combined with the inability to check security devices were becoming more and more of a reality. We would definitely have to have a meeting of the minds to discuss the next plan of action to ensure our families survival through this challenging time.

A quick meeting of the big people minds revealed that one device received telephone service and one text messaging so we were not totally doomed. Then in a cruel kind of game, or possible punishment; we found that media reminders and notifications would occasionally be received; carrying with them a slight teasing of content, unretrievable by our hands given the restrictive “unplugging”.

In spite of our electronic isolation our family prospered and laughed more, played more, talked more, and even explored more than ever before. The lack of content and our hands being free from the small chains we seldom recognize caused a growth of sorts within us. Our daughters were able to see that fun can be had by other means than spending a dollar, attending a attraction, or enlisting the approval of a silent few on social media. We ate together, played together, and simply laughed.

The series of events last week taught me several grand lessons. New personal firsts can be experienced for you, your children and those you love, if we just take the time to set down the electronics and center on our loved ones. Although its hard to believe that in so few years; we have become so dependent upon our accessibility we can find true, lasting joy from simply taking the time to put it all down for a moment and center on the person, the surroundings, the experience. I would be lying if I said “unplugging” was easy. For me it was necessary; for a moment. The experience will not soon be forgotten and I can see more unplugging in our future, as you and your family should.