In today’s world of iPods, iPads, digital books, and video games, sometimes it’s nice to know that the good, old fashioned games of our past (and my childhood, especially) are still having their moment. Growing up as one of 5 siblings, summers were filled with days down the shore at Osborne’s Inn, in our “bunk bedroom” with sets of bunk beds and lots of friends, playing our favorite game – “Who would you rather marry?”
I’ve overheard my kids play variations of this game from time to time (who hasn’t?) and even though the questions have changed a bit – would you rather have an endless bowl of ice cream, or a never-ending bag of candy? – the idea still stays the same, and everyone gets a good laugh out of the questions and answers. Interestingly enough, this past weekend the questions became a little deeper when my 8 year old niece, Grace, asked us if we would rather have our Ellie, 6 1/2 years with special needs, be able to walk or be able to talk? Unanimously, my immediate family chose talking as the winning answer – my Molly, 11, said if Ellie was able to talk, we could teach her to walk. If she was able to communicate with us, she would be able to tell us when she’s hurt, or sick – which is the hardest part of being her Mom and not being able to know what’s wrong and make it better.
It’s interesting to see the game come full circle, from the days of choosing spouses, to the silly questions about overindulging in candy and sweets, to more serious topics that can open up more discussions. A really good game like this never goes out of style, and it’s nice to see it being passed down to all generations!
