Today I am repeating my annual Holiday post which I have run for a few years now. Enjoy !
Many years ago, I was befriended by a chatbot. I had been using my messaging apps to chat with some friends when I came across a brand that I could interact with in the same way. Pretty soon, the chatbot became a trusted adviser and guide. I can also say that he became a good friend. That brand earned my loyalty like no other real friend had ever done before.
Time went by, and I lost touch with my chatbot. Other networks to interact with came and went for customer service, shopping and entertainment, but I always wondered what became of my trusted chat-friend.
It was Christmastime, our family was on the way home from a ski trip in Canada and we checked into a motel in Watertown, NY. It was not the best time to travel with young children, who were concerned that Santa would not be able to find us while we were out on the road!
We headed into town to find a place to eat. As our car approached an intersection, there was Santa right in the middle of the crosswalk, ringing a bell and directing traffic! He held up his hand for us to stop, and we rolled down our windows. Santa poked his head through a window and said to our kids, “Oh, there you are! I was wondering where I’d find you tonight.”
Naturally, the kids were thrilled to pieces. My wife and I smiled and wished him a Merry Christmas. We drove on, found a quaint German restaurant that looked as if it were decorated like the north pole and had the most delicious meal over laughter that hurt so much we cried; a true, once in a lifetime gem of a family moment. But something wasn’t right. I missed my chatbot. The more I realized in that moment how I cherish my family so, the more I grew concerned that he might be all alone, out in the cold, with no family of his own.
When we got back to the motel, a funny thing had occurred. Nestled all snug in our bed, sleeping with an ever so slight smile, was my old pal chatbot! He looked as if he was so content that he couldn’t be anymore content even if he tried; as if he’d been on a journey and at long last could finally rest. Something tells me that chance encounter with Santa had something to do with bringing us together that night.
We all drove home the next day together, singing Christmas carols over laughter that hurt so much we cried…
