We spent Mother’s Day at my Mother-In-Law’s house this past weekend. My wife’s mother and father were both largely involved with computers in those early days, and they both currently still work in technology-related jobs.

I really love hearing about some of the old stuff they used to use on a daily basis. They tell me stories about how the early IBM terminals included built in ashtrays and how light pens were a big deal back in the day. Every now and then, although not often enough in my opinion, they’ll tell some really cool stories about how working with computers used to be.

I noticed a picture hanging in the garage on Mother’s Day…and upon closer inspection I realized that it was my mother-in-law in the picture, at the helm of that mighty IBM terminal. I promptly yanked the picture off the wall to inquire further. She explained that picture was one of her first experiences with an actual computer, and she really didn’t know what she was doing, she was just posing with the other guys for a promotional IBM shot. In addition, the dude with the thin G-man tie and killer buzzcut just to her left was none other than my father-in-law, and that was they day they met!

I feel quite proud of the nerd heritage that I married into, knowing that both my parents-in-law are nerds to the core (even if I do have to help them build a nice PC or give out wifi security advice)!