My daughter and I were in Graduate School together at California State University Northridge in late 2005. We were both working on Master’s Degrees. Hers in Psychology, mine in Education. Her focus was Human Factors while mine was technology. At the time she chose this major I had not the slightest clue what “human factors” was. She explained that it is an area of psychology that deals with man’s interaction with machines. Interesting!

She went on to explain that no matter what advances in technology we have made, these technologies still have to be able to interface with human beings. They are only as good as the people who are designing and operating them. The organic with the inorganic. Analog versus digital. Even more interesting!

This last Monday after learning of a dear, sweet cousin’s stroke which left her paralyzed on one side, I remembered this discussion with my daughter way back then. It made me think of just how fragile we are and that even with all this advanced technology, we simply aren’t able to repair certain bodily injuries, most especially, damage to the brain. The computers can inform us of the damage that occurred and lead the way to rehabilitation but it is still up to the human being to heal themselves. Technology shows us the way but we still have to walk the path on our own.

My cousin is strong willed, healthy and determined. I feel confident she will jump this hurdle with the same vigor and enthusiasm that she has always embraced her life. She is already an inspiration to us all with the progress she has made in her recovery in only four days following her stroke.

In everything we encounter, experience or learn, there is always the human factor. Even though I love technology with a passion, I never get the same satisfaction that I get from another human’s touch.

I salute you, sweet cousin, Joni, for reminding me that in this crazy world of machines, we are but fragile beings and for reminding me that we should live every day as if it were our last.

I just visited with her this morning and that crooked smile I witnessed on Monday has almost returned to it’s original heartwarming upturned glory!