Aidan, my 5-year-old, has always been into games. Between the ages of 2 and 3, it was CandyLand. I played CandyLand even in my dreams, because during my waking hours spent with Aidan, it just wasn't enough! (Perhaps this is why I gained 5 pounds during that time...hmmmm?) At 4, he moved on to "Guess Who?" and Dominoes, which were a bit more challenging, but equally as consuming, since this also required my undying devotion. (Moms are such suckers.) Now, it's UNO. I must admit, it's a card game that the whole family is enjoying, but like anything that is overdone, it has started to grate on my nerves. You see, Aidan is very passionate about the games he loves. He must play them over and over and over until he gets the very essence and being of the game itself. It is exhausting. I find myself daydreaming about joyfully shredding each and every card until there is nothing left but a pile of UNO confetti...um...sorry...did I say that outloud?
Anyway, the best part of the madness is observing he and my mom play these games. Linda is a barracuda when it comes to competitive sports, games or challenges. She plays to WIN! (Never mind that her opponent is her 5-year-old grandson...that's not the point...or so I'm told.) Aidan is equally competitive, and so the battle of the wills actually becomes my comedic relief with this twisted but hilarious duo. Battle cries are sung throughout the house as the two duke it out for the very last card to be laid down. Screams of joy, anger and "you cheated!" (mostly by my mom) are yelled out in angst! All the while, I'm doing the happy dance in the bedroom, singing praises to the Lord that he has given me a reprieve, and thanking Him for grandmothers! (Apparently they are suckers too!)
And then, the inevitable happens...my mother goes home. As if on cue, a sweet, smiling face with Cheezit crumbs still stuck to his lips and a stack of cards held tightly in his chubby little hands, comes looking for me with a longing in his eyes. Never mind that I'm in the shower...this is an UNO emergency! The game must go ON...and on...and on...and I am once again...a SUCKER!
