JIM'S STORY
At one point in my life I wondered why people played games. I was not interested in games and thought them a Waste of Time.
However, some of the smartest people I knew played games.
One of these was a friend from West Texas. He loved playing all kinds of games and was good at it. One day, I asked Jim why he liked to play games, and he gave me an answer that has amazed and delighted me to this day.
"Well," he said, "I am a child of youngest children in a large family. This means that I grew up with lot of aunts and uncles who were older than my parents. They all loved to play cards, dominos, bridge, etc. We used to sit around 'til late at night playing and laughing and kidding around. As a child growing up in this large, extended family was wonderful."
Then he looked off into the distance with his crinkly, West Texas eyes and said, "You know, the thing about playing games is that it gives everyone lots of time and opportunity to express affection."
Suddenly my mouth — and my mind — flew open! I Got It!
West Texas men generally don't go around saying mushy stuff like "Oh, I love you so much." No! They tease the 'bejeebers' out of each other, sparing and poking fun anyway they can. And the women can be just as crusty! Only when you are walking out the door do you get a hug or a slug and "Better Luck Next Time, Buddy!" in the event you lost the game but 'played well with others'.
This man grew up playing games, being the object of unlimited loving attention and affection from elderly relatives. And I can see it on his weathered face and in the twinkle in his eyes.
Loving Words come in all shapes and sizes and at odd moments when we're not looking.
Comments? I would love to hear Loving Words Stories from my readers.
- I am also very interested in hearing Loving Words that people have said to you that you remember from your childhood or from your past.
- Who was loving to you and what did they say?
- How old were you then?
- How did those words of love affect your life?
- What words do you most love to hear from your spouse, your children, your friends?
- What words do you use to express love, affection, respect, trust, warm regard, etc.
I eagerly await your story.
When I was in 5th grade, I wanted to marry Johnny. His loving words came in the form of the game of catch.During recess he would chase me all around the school yard, and when he finally caught me, he would pull off the kerchief on my head. That was his expression of love, and my ten year old soul knew it. I was thrilled. He was the class story teller. When the teacher left the room he was assigned to entertain us with his stories. They were wild, scary and filled with ghosts of all sorts.Since then I have always loved story tellers, wordsmiths and poets. I have lived with one for 3o years.
ReplyDeleteHelen - Thanks for posting. You and Jim are welcome to post your words anytime!
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