The Sporting Life

I have two sisters. This is important to know. In many ways, it defines who I am and my particular view of the world. As I watched CB with her two older companions, her almost- brothers, I think of how her experience will be different to mine.

We moved my mattress into our room. The old mattress was sent to the other side of the attic, where the boys live. When we did it, the boys were with K, so we left it on top of one of the beds for discussion upon their return. Rather than a spirited discussion about where the mattress should go (which is what I expected) instead, a new sport was invented - double bed on top of single bed wrestling.

It may also be known as "King/Queen of the Hill" or "Team Knock Off" or "Irresponsible Parenting Move No. 165,000." Yes, there were exposed corners on which any of them could have lost an eye. But, to be fair, so could we!

The wrestling commenced. CB was in it to win it. I'm happy to report that no one lost an eye, and everyone walked away with a wincing bruise. Just the way it should be.

Perhaps I am naturally lazy, or inclined to feminine forms of imaginative play (not that my sisters and I didn't wrestle plenty over the years) but I feel a sense of wonder for the freedom of rough and tumble and the diversion and unity of family board and card games. I was never a game player (being a habitual sore loser and tantrum thrower), but now I hear my own voice suggesting we play blackjack or agreeing happily to a round of Pente.

My boys have, with their six hands, dealt me another deck to play with. And, I feel like I've won the jackpot - even when I'm being mercilessly beaten by a seven-year-old.