This weekend we celebrated one of my buddy’s 40th birthday. As we talked throughout the evening, he told me that Friday is family game night for them. Every Friday, they all sit together as a family and play board games, cards, and the like. I thought that was a really nice tradition.
He mentioned that one thing we lacked growing up was structure. Our parents weren’t focused on things like game nights; their priority was making sure the rent got paid. Don’t get me wrong—our parents did their best to provide for us. I’ve always appreciated and loved them for that. It was a different time with different financial challenges and worries, where survival was always the top concern. If you come from where I come from, you’d understand.
For example, I don’t remember ever sitting with my mom, dad, and sisters all together playing a game. One of my sisters has a different dad, so the “traditional structure” just wasn’t there. I do remember my mom and dad working really hard to make sure we had food on the table. When it comes to games, though, no. I played games with friends as a kid—video games, board games, and so on—but I have no memories of playing with my parents. That’s not to say it never happened when I was little, just that I don’t recall it. This isn’t a criticism of them, just a fact.
I don’t know what the future holds for any of us, but I’m sure that whatever comes, having a family game night will help set things up for success for the little princess he’s raising. I will say that most of the closest friends I grew up with have gone on to raise beautiful families and be responsible parents, which is really great to see. Last night was another reminder of that.
Though my son’s mom and I split many years ago—so there’s no traditional structure there—I can say with full confidence that as long as we live, both his mom and I are, and will always be, there to support him.
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
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