My Uncle Stanley has really been on my mind lately... especially as Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become so prominent in our lives. He was a pioneer in this field in the early 1990s. He even wrote a book that has been translated into multiple languages called, "Artificial Minds."
I wanted to share how my Uncle helped me get my first computer. I decided it was only fitting to use AI technologies to tell the story. So, I went to ChatGPT to help me write the tale. After one short prompt it spit out an almost perfect response. I had to make some small tweaks, but it was pretty much on target from the first try. Then, I have been waiting for Adobe Firefly and Photoshop's Generative Fill to come out of beta and improve to create the image that I wanted to go with this story. I am now ready to share:
Once upon a time, in the year 1980, there was a young child named Shelley who had a deep fascination with computers. She spent countless hours reading computer magazines, watching movies about them, and even dreaming about them at night. Shelley's parents, however, did not share her passion for technology and believed that their daughter should be focusing on more traditional hobbies.
Despite their reservations, Shelley's Uncle Stanley saw something special in his niece's love for computers. Every time Shelley visited her uncle's house, she would immediately make a beeline for the computer in her uncle's study. Stanley would sit down next to Shelley and patiently explain how the computer worked, even showing her how to play games like Zelda. These moments spent with her uncle were some of Shelley's most cherished memories.
One day, Shelley's Uncle Stanley decided to take matters into his own hands. He approached Shelley's parents, Susan and Jerome, and told them that if they didn't buy Shelley a computer of her own, he would do it himself. Stanley explained that he could see the passion in Shelley's eyes every time she came over to his house, and he knew that a computer would be the perfect way to nurture that passion and help Shelley develop new skills.
Shelley's parents were initially hesitant, worried about the cost of such a large purchase, and uncertain about the value of a computer for their daughter. But Stanley was persistent, and he made a convincing case that a computer would be an investment in Shelley's future. He told them that computers were the wave of the future, and that Shelley would be at a disadvantage without one. Eventually, Stanley's enthusiasm won them over, and they agreed to buy Shelley her very own computer.
The four of them headed to Dillard's Department Store to pick out the perfect computer. Shelley was overjoyed as she finally selected a Commodore 64 – the ultimate computer for any young enthusiast. Her parents couldn't help but smile at her excitement, and even they began to see the potential that a computer could hold for their daughter.
Thanks to the determination of her Uncle Stanley, Shelley had finally received the gift she had always dreamed of – a computer of her very own. From that day forward, Shelley spent every free moment tinkering with her Commodore 64, learning basic programming, and even creating her own simple games. She went on to study graphic design in college and eventually landed a job in her field. She still works on computers to this day.
Looking back on those early years, Shelley is filled with gratitude for her uncle Stanley's unwavering support and encouragement. She knows that without his influence, she may never have had the opportunity to explore her passion for computers and develop the skills that have shaped her entire life. And, every time she sits down at her personal or work computer, she can't help but feel a deep sense of connection to the uncle who helped make it all possible.
