The Game of Life

Blue and pink pegs filled my little green car.  I decided whether to pursue college or a career, got engaged, payed my taxes, and won the lottery.  This childhood game had changed...it now had a second opportunity for post-career children, investment portfolio options, selling starter homes, and retirement alleys rife with financial risk or relative calm.  I played this game with Trenton, Teighler, and Daniel on Sunday.  Their mom, Cheryl, was visiting their dad, Steve, at the hospital.  The four of us had a nice day.  We joyfully played the game of life.  We could read ahead on the spaces and knew what to predict; we understood our chances; we took risks with paper money.  At the end, the board and all of the plastic pieces were tossed into the box.   Set aside for future play.

But the real game of life has changed for these children, for Cheryl, for all of us who loved their father, Steve.  A man of incredible strength, illuminating energy, brilliant mind, and steadfast courage has died.  I have never been more humbled by someone's bravery in their last breaths or so saddened by someone's departure from my life.  I spent all day gathering moments, memories and conversations in my mind.  Trying to place them solidly in my mind for safe protection amidst the blur.  I can't imagine losing the person you love the most in the world, facing life's milestones without a father, a brother, a son, or for me a dear cousin/friend.

Comments

[Claire Bidwell Smith]

Oh Amber, what a beautiful eulogy.

I'm so sorry.