Serena, so sorry to hear about your daughter. She’s so lucky to have you as a mom. Thank you for this essay. I took part in a development retreat a few years back and one whole day was devoted to “play” and the important role play “plays” in the lives of adults. I tend to be on the serious side at times and hadn’t realized how much I’d moved away from play until reading your piece. I’m now renewing my stand for being more playful and incorporating play more into my life and our family life with teenage daughters. 🙏😊
This was a good read for me--thank you. I'm not very good at play, but I see how much my kids (from the adults to the littles) respond to games and silly times with their dad. I'd like to get better at it. Audiobooks and puzzles are exactly my speed as well.
My husband is also really good at silly games- better than me, especially when the kids were little @Margaret Ann Silver. Love that vision for you. I struggle with having patience for puzzles but I admire those who do!
Hi Serena - BIG HUGS. You're all having such a tough rollercoaster and yet you're still creatively finding ways for your family to navigate it all with play. It's not just for teens - last year the waiting room for cataract surgery patients had wordsearches, crossword and sudoku papers on clipboards for patients! There are cool adult colouring books in the Cancer Care package I purchased for a friend and I won't tell you how far up I was on the Candy Crush leaderboard when I was caring for Dad. ;-)
I think I may have to reread the Harry Potter books now!
Sending prayers, best wishes and more hugs. You know where I am if you want to soundboard/vent. xo
Aww, Victoria! Thanks for sharing this! I love these images of playing in the waiting rooms, while approaching big surgeries and heavy diagnoses. Thanks for reminding us of play at any age… and thanks for your continual support!
The only thing Mum and I were giggling about was the fact that the cataract patients had already had the eyedrops that enlarge the pupil, and while we did the crossword I could voice the clues...but many others couldn't read the text! I guess that's why they had colouring images too ;-)
Serena, so sorry to hear about your daughter. She’s so lucky to have you as a mom. Thank you for this essay. I took part in a development retreat a few years back and one whole day was devoted to “play” and the important role play “plays” in the lives of adults. I tend to be on the serious side at times and hadn’t realized how much I’d moved away from play until reading your piece. I’m now renewing my stand for being more playful and incorporating play more into my life and our family life with teenage daughters. 🙏😊
Thanks @James Bailey! Grateful for your support. I love how you’re renewing your dedication to playing with your family. Let me know how it goes!
I hope Ellie is doing well and things are as normal as they can be.
I'm still trying to find ways to connect to a couple of my granddaughters, so I might try "Play" next. Thank you!
Sounds great, Mimi! Hope you enjoy!
This was a good read for me--thank you. I'm not very good at play, but I see how much my kids (from the adults to the littles) respond to games and silly times with their dad. I'd like to get better at it. Audiobooks and puzzles are exactly my speed as well.
My husband is also really good at silly games- better than me, especially when the kids were little @Margaret Ann Silver. Love that vision for you. I struggle with having patience for puzzles but I admire those who do!
I was able to get in some thrifting time today, and found two new puzzles to do with the kids. Thank you for the inspiration 💛.
Way to go @Margaret Ann Silver!
Hi Serena - BIG HUGS. You're all having such a tough rollercoaster and yet you're still creatively finding ways for your family to navigate it all with play. It's not just for teens - last year the waiting room for cataract surgery patients had wordsearches, crossword and sudoku papers on clipboards for patients! There are cool adult colouring books in the Cancer Care package I purchased for a friend and I won't tell you how far up I was on the Candy Crush leaderboard when I was caring for Dad. ;-)
I think I may have to reread the Harry Potter books now!
Sending prayers, best wishes and more hugs. You know where I am if you want to soundboard/vent. xo
Aww, Victoria! Thanks for sharing this! I love these images of playing in the waiting rooms, while approaching big surgeries and heavy diagnoses. Thanks for reminding us of play at any age… and thanks for your continual support!
The only thing Mum and I were giggling about was the fact that the cataract patients had already had the eyedrops that enlarge the pupil, and while we did the crossword I could voice the clues...but many others couldn't read the text! I guess that's why they had colouring images too ;-)