I’ll be honest. Years ago, I didn’t really understand the big deal about video calls.
When apps like FaceTime first came out, I thought, “Why do I need to see you? I can just call you.” A phone call worked just fine. You could hear the voice. You could talk things out. That was enough for me.
Or at least, that’s what I thought.
Now that my son is getting older, my view has completely changed.
There’s a Difference Between Hearing and Seeing
As a firefighter working 24 hour shifts, I spend a lot of time away from home. There are days when calls don’t stop. There are nights when you try to sleep but never really get to rest. And there are moments in between where you miss your family more than you expected.
Yes, I can call home.
But seeing my son’s face pop up on the screen? That hits different.
When I see him smile, laugh, or try to show me something random he found in the house, it feels real. I can see the excitement in his eyes. I can see when he’s tired. I can see when he just wants his dad. That connection is deeper than just hearing his voice.
The phone gives you sound.
Face to face apps give you presence.
Being Deployed, On Shift, or Away From Home
Think about our military members who are deployed overseas. Years ago, families relied on letters or quick phone calls. You couldn’t see facial expressions. You couldn’t see growth in real time. Skype was ok….
Now? A soldier can watch their child take their first steps over a video call. A parent can see their family sitting at the dinner table. That’s powerful.
The same goes for firefighters, police officers, truck drivers, or anyone who works long shifts or travels for work. When you’re away from home, even for 24 hours, it can feel longer than that.
Video calls close that gap.
It doesn’t replace being there in person, but it makes the distance hurt a little less.
I Used to Think It Was Extra
I’m sure there are still some folks who feel like I used to. “Why do we need all that?” “Just call me.” I get it. I was that guy.
Before COVID, video calling was still kind of a growing thing. Some people used it. Some didn’t. Then the world shut down.
Suddenly, apps like Zoom, Discord, and Facebook became part of everyday life. Schools used them. Churches used them. Families depended on them. What once felt optional became normal.
And now, it’s everywhere.
But beyond meetings and work calls, I think the real value is in family.
Watching Them Grow in Real Time
My son is growing fast. Faster than I expected. When I’m at work, I don’t want to miss those small moments. Even if it’s just five minutes.
When he talks to me through the camera, it feels like I’m in the room. I can see his expressions. I can see the joy. I can see the personality forming more and more every year.
Those moments matter.
There’s something about looking at your child face to face, even through a screen, that reminds you why you work so hard in the first place.
Wow, How Far We’ve Come
It’s crazy when you think about it.
There was a time when seeing someone live through a phone sounded like science fiction. Now we do it without thinking. One tap, and we’re connected.
Technology can distract us sometimes. It can pull families apart if we let it. But when used the right way, it can also bring us closer.
For me video calls are no longer just a “cool feature.” They’re a lifeline on long shifts. They’re comfort during busy days. They’re a way to stay present even when duty calls.
