This past summer, while in Kitchener, ON I was browsing through a quaint old Mennonite store that was much like a practical Dollar Store, selling an interesting mix of everything from hats to canning lids. I stopped short as a card game caught my eye, a sense of the past just coming over me in a most peculiar way and bringing back warm reminders of my dad.
My dad was an accountant and playing with numbers was always a game for him. When he played cards with us, as intimidating as it was to play with someone who just knew what was in our hands, he taught us how to think. He showed us how to see the big picture, devise strategies and take risks. He showed us how to eliminate possibilities and taught us tactics in forcing out certain cards. He challenged us enough not to be frustrated at what he could do, but instilled in us a desire to play well.
My dad was an accountant and playing with numbers was always a game for him. When he played cards with us, as intimidating as it was to play with someone who just knew what was in our hands, he taught us how to think. He showed us how to see the big picture, devise strategies and take risks. He showed us how to eliminate possibilities and taught us tactics in forcing out certain cards. He challenged us enough not to be frustrated at what he could do, but instilled in us a desire to play well.
I took the little package in my hand, not having to think twice about this purchase. There was too much to lose, because the memories alone brought back a sense of who he was.
If he'd still be with us, he’d be 79 today - which reminds me, once again, that he was not old when he left us. A number he would have changed, if he could. Or would he now? As all of us have seen, it’s a hand we do not control. What counts are the choices we make before our time is up.
I wonder if I will remember enough of the game to make it enjoyable for his great-grandchildren one day. I hope so.
16 comments:
This is a game that I never learned, but my husband loves to play it with his brothers and dad when we get together at the beach each summer.
How neat that you could find such a tangible reminder of your father. It's the little things that mean so much!
When I married my husband, I also married into a family of hard core Rook players. It took me a long time to figure out the game...and I'm still not good at it...and now I can say that I love it too, and I understand it a little bit!
Unfortunately, I have to say that I found your post really hard to read because of the font you used. I may be the only one...but I thought I'd mention it. Hopefully you aren't offended :(
This is the perfect post for Dad! Rook was definitely his game. I still love it - just don't get to play it often.
You've described your Dad so well Anneliese and it's obvious you learned the lessons he tried to teach you. I'm glad you found that game and glad that you shared the lessons learned with us. It gives me another perspective on what games can teach us whether young or old.
Sweet post...my dad like rummy.
I'm smiling at this...as Rook happens to be my dad's favorite game as well. We had a good round of Rook at his place on Monday night. My dad is 89...and still doesn't like to lose! I'm just blessed to still have him around.
Hi Marian,
Thanks for the feedback. Not sure if it looks a bit different on other monitors .. but I will look at that font problem for sure. I realize it is not as legible as normal print. I just liked the hand printed look. I was bored with what I had. =)
Rook was played a lot in our family too, although my parents and relatives play a different version than what's in the rule book. (It was kind of embarrassing when, at a retreat, a group of friends needed another player for their Rook game and I piped up, "I know how to play!".......only to find out that, after all those years of playing and perfecting my strategies, I now had no clue what was going on :( So I really don't know how to play Rook.) Anyway, it's neat that you found those cards and can pass the game on to your grandchildren, along with the memory of your Dad!
Oh the many fun nights of playing Rook. When we played with my cousin and his wife we had to split up the teams to husbands vs. wives so someone from each family would go home happy. LOL
Sweet memories of your dad...
I miss you, Opa!
What a great Dad you had. I haven't heard of 'Rook' before, perhaps we do not have it in Australia...
Sonya
I love this game and it's packed for my next vacation. And better yet, teaching my 8 year old this weekend was fun, while the youngest was happy playing "Go Fish"
Interesting to know that your Father played Rook. That was taboo in our family.
We love playing Rook at our house so if you need a refresher on the rules, just come on over! What a great post honoring your Dad.
We've worn out many sets of Rook cards. ..but don't play as much as we used to. Maybe we can change that?
I love hearing your stories. I'm glad I can think your voice while I read. :)
This is a fun post! My dad was a skilled Rook player too. He and my mother played for hours with their good friends. I can hear my dad's laughter now, as I remember back. His love of the game was passed on to his children, and my memories of some of the games we played, will forever stay with me. I would have purchased that game too, if I would have seen it in a store. My dad would be 77 years old today, if he was still with us. Seems like we have alot in common. Thanks for sharing this well written post.
So special. I too remembered him on the 12th.
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