The Games People Play

Once upon a time, about 35 years ago, five young mothers each walked their daughter into the first day at Mountainview Preschool. It was a new exciting experience for both Moms and daughters. But little did they know the significance of that day and the ultimate bonds that would be established and nurtured over the coming years.

Encouraged by their Moms, the daughters became friends. In the beginning they had play dates (dress up was a favorite), played soccer, went to Brownies and celebrated birthdays together. And the Moms gradually began to know, appreciate and support each other. They chatted at soccer games, before and after Preschool and even became Brownie Leaders together. Their worlds were the same.

But as time passed, the girls went their separate ways. They went to different schools, pursued different hobbies, and ultimately different careers. It would be wonderful to say that the Moms kept in touch but in fact, their contact was random and sporadic in the ensuing years. Life is funny that way.

This Changes Everything

Then one day, a chance encounter spawned a lovely renewal. One mom literally bumped into another at “The Mall” and an idea was born. They enjoyed reminiscing and rather than meet again for a coffee date, they liked the idea of meeting again to play Scrabble, and they really liked the idea of bringing all five Moms together again to participate.

And so it began. Thursday was the day that would be set aside each week and the hostessing would rotate in alphabetical order. Tea and a light refreshment would be served. Those unfamiliar with Scrabble were welcomed so the “seriousness/competitive bar” was set pretty low. The underlying idea was to spend time together and have conversation and fun.

Although the Scrabble idea was a good one, it soon became obvious that some were much better than others, so it was tactfully suggested a game of Mexican Train (Dominoes) might work instead. And that took off like a house on fire. From there, they graduated to Sequence and UNO. Rummikub and Skip Bo were next and then the all time winner, Sticks made a grand entrance and it quickly became the game of choice. What started as a casual suggestion morphed into a delightful afternoon of companionship.

It has been almost eight years now, and they still meet but there have been changes. Tuesday is now the day of choice and a light refreshment is no longer served. (All agreed that it was just too much effort and no one needed the extra calories anyway.)😉

What remains resolutely the same is the friendship and support they share. Together they have survived operations, accidents, pipes bursting, serious health issues and the death of parents. They have offered each other advice, consolation and comfort food. And then there is the laughter….ah yes, the laughter.

Given the transient nature of today’s world, it’s truly amazing that they still meet regularly. They are in agreement that their lives have been greatly enriched with their regular games session. They are grateful for each other and committed to keeping the circle “alive.” For each of them, Tuesdays are sacred. May the circle be unbroken.

We do a post every Monday so stay tuned for the next one entitled “Punching Above Her Weight.”