Games We Play

The times, they are a-changin’. And with them, the games people play are also changing. Out with Schedule-Twister, because if it isn’t happening with hubs, it isn’t happening at all. Suddenly, our schedules are syncing easily. In with dish-drain-Jenga! All those homemade meals mean lots of pots and pans to wash, and on a rough day, getting them all to balance in the dish drain does feel a bit like Jenga. My husband’s a master, but if I add one item, I’m picking up several that fall to the floor.

Sugar’s games are usually ones where he gets the upper hand. He brought up his favorite game because, apparently, some things are staying the same despite all the changes. His claiming my iced tea is clearly a game of “what’s yours is mine.”

Gracie and Nami have new games too. We’ve had Gracie 11 months now, and Nami wasn’t too pleased at first. She was predictively defensive and sometimes hostile. Feeding time could be tense. Early moments of shared warmth this winter gave way to “get away from me” summer.

Until yesterday, that is. I sat for just a moment in the recliner, and the cats were quick to get in my lap and pin me down. Nami claimed my lap first, and Gracie surprised us by crouching behind Nami. Eventually, she crept forward to lay next to Nami rather than behind her. So far, so good. Soon, I saw a paw inch out until it reached Nami. As a mom, I recognize this game! Nami was playing, “I’m touching you!” I was gobsmacked when Nami turned her head and smiled. It was all okay. I sat with them for a long time, wishing I had a book with me, but I enjoyed having both my katzen peacefully in my lap for a while. This was a game that I wanted to play, too.