When you come out of an age of pen and ink, computers remain difficult to understand. Although one uses them to communicate their ideas, these amazing machines are often confusing.

Growing up, when I wanted to send a message to someone, I simply took a piece of paper, and after finding a pen, I could sit down and write what I had to say. Of course, that communication had to be delivered by a postman, and often took days to get to its destination. Today we have been blessed with a way to deliver our thoughts in minutes.

Now that the computer age has arrived, some of us have to learn an entirely new methodology. We are dealing with a mechanism that has its own idiosyncrasies, and for those like my husband who are familiar with these machines, and with which they have dealt for years, computers are old friends with whom they have had a relationship from the days of their inception.

In all honesty, the computer I use often makes me feel fearful. Will I make some awful mistake and lose the words that mean so much to me? Am I doing something wrong and potentially may discover that they have disappeared?

Using these remarkable tools is not unlike learning a new language, but the primary difference is that with language, the comprehension comes first and the ability to use the words takes much longer. However, this experience constitutes the reverse abilities. First, we have a general idea of what we are supposed to do. All one needs are a few pointers and we can use our computers to do the job for which they are intended. But for some of us who are not conversant with what is happening when we do, it takes a very long time to overcome our inability to use them comfortably.

Naturally, there are classes available in which we can learn more about using these new friends that have arrived to change our lives. But I was gifted with my own computer, and have been using it for quite a long time, trying to learn how it actually works and overcoming my fear of making a dreadful mistake that might do away with my precious words.

Undoubtedly, there are many others out there who are faced with the same dilemma and are able to identify with my problem. They too may often have to deal with annoyed mates who truly understand the workings of this mechanism, and have difficulty understanding our confusion. It is to those who find themselves in a similar position that I write, hoping that this may offer some comfort and encouragement.

Truthfully, there was a time when I honestly believed that computers would come to destroy human communication. Today, I know better. Having my own computer has enabled me to share my thoughts and ideas with people who live very far away. I am determined to learn more about what makes it tick, and I will.