How can people survive without cell phones?

We can, but choose not to.

I don't live tied to a cell phone, far from it. I hate the things, BUT.......

when it can make life easier for two traumatized kids, mom, dad AND the baby sitter, the complaint is what, exactly?

Visiting instead of calling? Oops, sorry, the relatives on both sides of the family live 5+ hours away. What made the move away from family easier?

Easy communications.