A Late Lesson

Ellen is five years younger than I. We grew up in the same household, both exiting at 19. We were both wives and Mothers before we were old enough to vote.

And yes, she is my Sister.

However, we differ often and frequently; mostly on memories. Hers are never even close to mine, and I become impatient when she remembers our red dresses as blue plaid. She becomes equally annoyed when I recount an event she believes never happened.

We have chosen to spend our lives in different areas of the country.. Ellen opted for the warm climate of the south, and I am snuggled comfortably into the northern midwest.

One thing we agree upon, despite the difference in age, and the different locales, is that neither of us ever played games. Both of us have been heard often stating with rather loud voices that neither of us ever had or now have an iota of interest in playing games.

That includes all the avenues of social acceptance, i.e. Bridge, Ma Jong, and now of course, internet gaming.

Neither of us can recall where or when this aversion to a highly competitive social activity began. We were always treated with great generosity at Christmas and birthdays,. I still recall the amazing collection of Ellen’s dolls, especially the five identical Dionne quintuplets, dressed in various pastel colored silk dresses with matching hair ribbons. I know my collection of hard covered books was quite unique in Hells Kitchen. So no, we were never deprived. Yet I don’t recall playing any games.

Now today. I dread telling her we may have been wrong all these years. Still I believe I have to share my new knowledge.

Will is a superb gamer. His instinctive knowledge of technology is amazing and a source of wonder to me, his Grandmother. However, even experts hit an impasse and so he did last Sunday while visiting me. Often after we lunch, we share a quiet time. I retreat to my computer and relinquish my Ipad to Will for one of his games.

This week when he hit an unusual hurdle, I made a promise to either rectify it before his next visit or seek professional help in finding a solution. I was quite comfortable with my computer expertise and proceeded yesterday to keep the promise.

Admittedly I am not an expert, but I have reached a level of competence in the internet world. However, I was amazed to find myself truly challenged mentally with a game. I was equally surprised when I looked at the clock and realized it had taken me over two hours to eliminate Will’s problem.

Then suddenly I understood the intellectual challenges of the gaming world. I comprehended the reality that games can be both stimulating and provide an avenue for maintaining mental health.,

It was quite a revelation, but I am not quite certain how to tell my sister about my conversion. Do I dare even suggest she join me?