The internet came too late for my parents; Alzheimer’s had already taken its toll on my dad. The days just before a flight home were exciting, especially around the Christmas period. Time was occupied with gathering letters, parcels and Christmas cards from Irish friends. Many had just left it too late for the Christmas rush, and others thought it might be quicker sending letters pre-stamped by personal currier. It was not Skype that made the breakthrough for me, but the arrival of internet phone service.

Source: The Irish Times December 18, 2017 13:30 UTC