“The Earth laughs in flowers”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I was growing up, cards were the go-to activity for our family on rainy days, summer vacation, or cold winter evenings.  My grandmother was a big bridge player, often attending competitive tournaments at a ritzy hotel downtown. She took on teaching us the fine art of the game, starting, I’m sure, when we were only about 10. Grandma was serious about this endeavor, and I believe she lost some patience with the less studious of us, me included. I, on the other hand, liked euchre. I have always enjoyed the feeling of the cards in my hands, being able to call trump, and engaging in a fun-filled competition. It was exhilarating entertainment that could go on for hours.

During college, it was also the game of choice. Lunch, spares, or just when we didn’t want to go to class, out came that deck of cards with four eager players waiting to be dealt their first hand. I graduated with less than stellar marks but quite a respectable win average.

Once I was full-time in the workforce, card time seemed more sporadic. Fewer people seemed to play, and more time was dedicated to socializing at local pubs. I missed it but moved on to more adult sports, like drinking. Years passed, with games occurring on cottage visits or girls’ weekends; however, the delight never left me; it was always a welcome pastime when interested parties were present.

My friend, equally interested in board games as cards, recently initiated a monthly game with myself, her sister-in-law, and her niece. She was the first host, and the plan was to alternate houses. True to her mother’s form, she set up her table with games and snacks for her esteemed guests upon our arrival. Unfortunately, only three of us could attend this inaugural afternoon, which meant euchre had to be forfeited and replaced by a roaring round of Yahtzee.

We were all in attendance for our second gathering at my house. Following the organizer’s lead, I ensured plenty of snacks, trying to raise the bar with my flavourful selections. It was mid-winter, so the doldrums had set in for a few of us, but we pushed our way forward to attend. What a mood game-changer this card playing became. We laughed and laughed, nibbled and chatted, finally ending the afternoon after a few hours of somewhat competitive play. What an unexpected infusion of spiritual joy! What an incredible gift we have been given with the ability to laugh. It’s so fantastic for the mind and spirit, and you’ve got to think, with all that belly movement, the waistline too.

Retirement will see me constantly striving to push through low moods and engage in merriment with friends. Laughter is contagious and joyous and feeds the soul. What a great thing to share.