A new single-service Web site lets you know approximately how many more times you'll get to see your parents before they die. Seriously. by Emily Dreyfuss July 22, 2013 12:17 PM PDT (Credit: Emily Dreyfuss) I'm sorry to share this, but as they say, misery loves company. Four well-meaning Brits got together and launched SeeYourFolks.com on July 16, and since then every person who's visited it has felt a lump in their throat. After you answer a few seemingly innocuous questions, you are presented with a number. In my case, a horrifying number that was shockingly low, because I live across the country from my parents and am -- I guess -- a terrible child who doesn't visit enough. One second, I need to go find a tissue box before I can write another word. OK, once you stop crying and get off the phone with your Mom and Dad, you'll likely ask yourself: WHY ON EARTH DID THOSE BRITISH PEOPLE MAKE THIS WEB SITE? THANKS A LOT, guys! Well, you can scroll down on the page and get their explanation: We believe that increasing awareness of death can help us to make the most of our lives. The right kind of reminders can help us to focus on what matters, and perhaps make us better people. Ugh. The number is generated using life expectancy data from the World Health Organization. It apparently only took the foursome of Web developers and editors 24 hours to launch SeeYourFolks.com, but the pain of learning whatever number the site delivers will last a lifetime. Gotta run, booking plane tickets.
A new single-service Web site lets you know approximately how many more times you'll get to see your parents before they die. Seriously.
(Credit: Emily Dreyfuss)
I'm sorry to share this, but as they say, misery loves company.
Four well-meaning Brits got together and launched SeeYourFolks.com on July 16, and since then every person who's visited it has felt a lump in their throat. After you answer a few seemingly innocuous questions, you are presented with a number. In my case, a horrifying number that was shockingly low, because I live across the country from my parents and am -- I guess -- a terrible child who doesn't visit enough.
One second, I need to go find a tissue box before I can write another word.
OK, once you stop crying and get off the phone with your Mom and Dad, you'll likely ask yourself: WHY ON EARTH DID THOSE BRITISH PEOPLE MAKE THIS WEB SITE? THANKS A LOT, guys! Well, you can scroll down on the page and get their explanation:
We believe that increasing awareness of death can help us to make the most of our lives. The right kind of reminders can help us to focus on what matters, and perhaps make us better people.
Ugh.
The number is generated using life expectancy data from the World Health Organization. It apparently only took the foursome of Web developers and editors 24 hours to launch SeeYourFolks.com, but the pain of learning whatever number the site delivers will last a lifetime.
Gotta run, booking plane tickets.
