Day 536 Life

 

My mom called to say she was cleaning out old games and I mean old! Old board games provided countless hours of entertainment and more often than not, controversy in my childhood household. One of the benefits of being one of four kids born all within five years is that we always had a solid number for games. The game of Life was a favorite in our household, landing on a salary that would carry you through, marrying and collecting children as you go. We all wanted as many kids as possible, throwing those pink and blue pegs into our little car pieces as we went along. After all, at the end of the game children were to be traded in for cash and could tip the balance of winning or not winning the game. I was happy to take this original game since the classic board game has been reworked and the newer versions just don't hold the same charm. Not sure Tim will be down for a game, but my grandchildren are always eager to play.  I often wonder how only children play board games? Do they only play when friends come over or do they play with their parents? I can't imagine playing with your parents would teach the same hard knock life lessons siblings provided with ease. Being the youngest of the four I quickly learned my older siblings would offer no leniency or mercy, so I upped my game and became a strong contender. Parents would play with compassion, some may even allow their kids to take the win, different lessons taught there I'm sure. Tim is one of seven kids but the age difference is so great that he had no contemporary to contend with, so he's often surprised by my cut throat gameplay. He plays with an expectation of compassion...silly man. he would much rather pull out the old Spirograph and sit quietly creating designs with no competition at all while my comfort zone is playing a board game and crushing any and all competition...doesn't that sound fun? These were indoor games, another day I'll write about our crazy nights playing kick the can or our neighborhood favorite, murderer. Growing up in the sixties and seventies sure had a unique vibe, lessons learned well in the game of life.