How’s your summer going? For me, too fast! This week Eva Mare Workshops hosted Coffee Connect: the last Tuesday of the month came at record speed. We had a game night, which was really fun.
Our family enjoys playing games, and we used to have game night every Friday night with friends when our children were little. I used to make spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and a salad for dinner, and we’d sometimes play into the wee hours. It’s always exhilarating to see how fast a game can change: one minute you’re winning, then the next minute you can lose! Our game was UNO; our youngest daughter learned how to add the game scores in her head, and math became one of her best subjects. I have fond memories of those game nights with family and friends.
Life changed dramatically for me about six years ago when my mom got sick and needed extra care. I was blessed with three good friends: Beverly, Donna and Kristina, who helped me get through that time and provide extra support to my mom. To pass the time, we’d play games until all hours of the morning. SkipBo was our game of choice while sitting up with my mom, and it became my new favorite game.
Just like playing a game, life can change in an instant. Caring for my mother until her death was a difficult time for me, but God brought me three faithful friends and a new game to comfort me through that journey. When we get together now to play, we reminisce about those nights and my mom. They’re bittersweet memories for which I’m so grateful.
This blog is a special thank you to Beverly, Donna and Kristina and the game of SkipBo. You never know who or what God is going to use to help you through life.
Do you have a game you like to play? Does it hold special memories for you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Family, friends coming together
Understanding of others
Nurturing each other to be our best
Growing and learning about each other
Always being there to encourage
Making memories
Excitement of being together
Sharing each other’s burdens
Games, oh games, memory of games.. giving articulating movement to extraordinary sounds, of laughter! The most hysterical time I recall a bunch of new acquaintances during the first semester of college, playing Pictionary together in our little high rise college dorm room, my first roomie and I were partners, she drew a picture and to me looked like a monkey with a long curled tail and round ears so I kept guessing and no go, it ended up to be cat. I was laughing so hard that I had tight stitches in my abdomen, a very silly memory. Oh perhaps I can join you all next time or the game of Skip-Bo a fun groovy game introduced from another college friend. Also, remember playing Monopoly bonkers and a variety of card games like crazy eights with my one and only younger sibling bro until our mom yelled dinner around 9pm at night. Grateful for fun games that bring people together for healthy laughter!
It’s so nice to reflect on memories. Thank you for sharing. Love to have you join us.
We never know how God will use us and how our personal story will impact a spectator. Family and friends gathering and willing to spend time together is precious time sacrificed especially in this fast moving, “ too busy” world.. A popular west Indian game when we gather is dominoes, wish I use to think is a never ending game. May God bless family and friends who make time for each other.
AMEN! Family and friends are special. Slow down and make time.
Kim and I played dominoes Tuesday night at game night.
Ironically, God put Momma Marie, Donna and Kristina in my life also several years ago knowing I would need strong support after my son passed. They have saved me many times also.
This time of year is very hard for me and I’m sure I’ll be heading that way for a game night of talking, laughing, and sometimes crying. Most of all it will be the companionship that God has placed in my path to help me continue with this crazy thing called life!
However, here is a word of caution if you ever go for a game night… Be very careful playing
Upwards/Scrabble with Momma Marie. She seriously has the Scrabble dictionary memorized I think and will get you with 2 letter words you had NOOOO clue were even words! Lol
Also keep your eye on Sneaky Pete and her mis deals while playing SkipBo lol…
I love you guys…
Love YOU. Yes, as soon as you return we will have dinner and a game night.
I remember Monopoly with Daddy and my siblings as adults when we were together at vacation times. We also loved to hear Mother’s family stories and ghost tales. Such fond memories.
Memories are so important. I haven’t played Monopoly in a long time. Thanks for sharing.
Up till the wee hours? Not you Marie lol jk yes my mom and I used to play 500 rummy. We would end the holiday evening a lot of times, her the kids and myself playing. My Ryan was the only one who never played….till our vacation this past week. He is hooked now too 😀love the memories
Ahh, thanks for sharing. I need a refresher course in 500 rummy. I haven’t played in a long time.