Questions Answered ChatGPT

By George Norwood

As the weeks turned to months, Roger and Carol’s enthusiasm only grew. Every morning, alongside their coffee, they’d take turns asking ChatGPT something new. It had become their morning ritual, like reading the paper—except the paper now answered back.

One day, Roger grumbled, “This leaf blower’s dead again. I don’t want to spend a fortune replacing it.”

Carol raised an eyebrow and typed: What’s the best cordless leaf blower for under $150 on Amazon?

In seconds, they had a comparison: models with the best reviews, longest battery life, and tips on what features to avoid. “And look,” Carol said, “it tells you how to compare price history using other websites too. We can even check if it’s cheaper at Home Depot.”

They saved $45 on that purchase—and avoided a dud model they would’ve picked otherwise.

Another time, they were looking for someone to help trim their massive overgrown hedges. Roger wasn’t sure where to start. But ChatGPT walked them through how to search for reliable lawn services in their area, what to ask before hiring someone, and how to check local reviews and even licenses.

“Felt like a coach in our corner,” Roger said, impressed.

Carol loved to write but had never published anything. So when her granddaughter asked for a bedtime story, she turned to her trusty assistant.

“Write me a story about a brave bunny who finds a treasure in the woods,” she asked.

A full tale appeared. She read it aloud over video chat that night. Her granddaughter clapped with delight, and Carol had tears in her eyes.

“That’s when I knew,” she told Roger. “We’re not just using this tool. We’re creating with it.”

They used it to write letters—thank-you notes, complaints, donation requests, even a heartfelt tribute when their old friend passed away.

Roger, who had never quite understood how the Internet really worked, started asking questions like:

How do websites store data?
What is HTML?

Can you show me how to make a web page for my camping club?

Before long, he had a working home page, complete with photos and links. ChatGPT even helped him troubleshoot when it didn’t display correctly on his phone.

Carol learned how to edit videos and crop photos using free software they didn’t even know existed before. Roger finally understood what a "browser extension" was, and now had tools that blocked annoying pop-ups and helped him manage his passwords more securely.

They even used ChatGPT to research and pick an online language class. Carol had always wanted to learn Italian, and ChatGPT explained the difference between apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and actual community college offerings. Roger, meanwhile, was curious about local adult learning courses, and ChatGPT helped him narrow down options based on price, schedule, and even user ratings.

They also loved fixing things instead of throwing them away. When the washing machine made a weird noise, they asked ChatGPT. It suggested possible causes—loose belt, clogged drain—and even linked to a video showing how to check it safely.

“Saved us a $200 repair bill right there,” Roger said proudly.

They used it for grocery lists and meal planning, too—ChatGPT would suggest healthy meals under $5 per serving, help them avoid added sugars, and even offer creative ways to use leftovers. Carol said it was like having a chef who never complained.

But they understood its limits. ChatGPT didn’t always have the latest product listings or real-time data. And once, when it confidently gave them a phone number for a repair service, it turned out to be an old listing. “You still have to double-check,” Roger reminded Carol. “It’s smart, not psychic.”

And sometimes, it would politely refuse to answer a question, especially anything involving private decisions like medical diagnoses or legal advice. “It gives you options, but it doesn’t tell you what to do,” Carol explained to a friend. “It’s a thinking partner, not a boss.”

Still, what impressed them the most wasn’t just what ChatGPT could do, but how it made them feel. Empowered. Capable. Curious again.

They felt like students in the best school ever—one where every question was welcomed, and every answer was tailored to their level.

One evening, while sorting old photos, Carol sighed and said, “You know, I used to worry we were falling behind. That the world was moving too fast.”

Roger smiled. “Now we’re right in the middle of it. With a guide.”

Carol nodded. “And with each other.”

Epilogue:

When their grandson asked them how they seemed to know everything, Roger chuckled.

“We don’t know everything,” he said. “We just know how to ask great questions.”

And thanks to ChatGPT, that was more than enough.