Joe and the Game of Solitare

My youngest brother Joe, in earlier years, told me, "When I get home from work, I play a game of Solitaire. The game is fun and challenging. It also helps me to relax." "And," Joe said, "Solitaire gives me advice in how to live my life!"

As Joe's sister, I'd like to note that it was before Joe had retired, that he told me about playing Solitaire. Now in retirement, Joe and his wife, Carolyn, are busy visiting their children, and grandchildren, helping where needed, especially, in 2005, with the wedding of their youngest son, Tom, to Julie.

Even while still in his working days, Joe, in his spare time and his family, in their leisure, found a computer compelling. Now there is an I-Pod to attend to. I haven't mentioned a dog, Ling, who needs daily walking, and petting, and a cat or two. I wonder whether Joe has time today for a game of Solitaire!

Still, I remember Joe's idea about Solitaire and its lesson for our lives. (My computer's memory helps, too ). I think that if there is a power outage, and an oil lamp for light can be found, the old time card game might just find its way back to the table. Then the players will see for themselves whether cards can teach about life.

Once, I asked Joe, "When you play solitaire, how often do you win the game?"
Joe said, " Oh, Marylee, winning isn't the only reason I play Solitaire. The game, itself, is fun and it's great to be part of it."

Joe said, " When we play a game for fun, it's easy to accept challenges that come, and without grumbling "We just do the best we can, with the cards we get".

"Some players," Joe said, "get mad when they seem unlucky. They say they get bad deals most of the time."
"It's better," Joe said, "when we're dealing with a game or something in our lives, to accept whatever comes to us, as O.K."

"The important thing about a game, or life, Marylee, is having a part in an activity that is taking place." "Life," Joe said, "is about being with people, and in life, as with cards, we hope to move beyond challenges that come, and expect that we will!"

Joe, to this day, tells me, "Whatever comes, is good!"
***

Note to Joe: "I think I'll keep a deck of cards on my computer. The cards will remind me that the game of Solitaire can teach us about cards, challenge, and life. Oh yes, Joe, next time you visit, teach me how the game is played!"

Reflections of Joseph Manson; Kept intact over the years by his sister Marylee Armour.