Grandpa. Cards.

My grandfather used to drive from his home in Wisconsin, and, eventually, Florida, to see us every year, on his annual odyssey to visit his three children.

One set of cousins was in Illinois. My other cousins were in New Mexico, then California.

We were, variously, in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Texas.

I remember my Grandma Vera’s admonition to me that I could eat jellybeans, even if they had fallen on the ground – what we call today the “5-second rule.”

But, about my grandfather, I remember that he taught us to play cards.

Gin rummy. Crazy 8s. Canasta, Solitaire

My parents played Bridge. But, they never played with us and never taught us.

My grandfather always seemed eager to teach us his joy in playing cards and suffered our mistakes while we learned.

I learned how to shuffle, alternately bending the cards one way, then the other.

I learned how to snap the cards down on the table when I dealt, providing both me and the receiving player audio feedback that the correct number of cards had been dealt.

I still love playing cards.

Uno has recently become a grandchild favorite. Concentration will soon follow.

Some years ago, on a cross-country train ride through Peru, a couple of children stopped by to watch our family play Canasta.

They were fascinated. We were happy to teach them and include them in our game.

As it came time for them to leave, they revealed that their parents were missionaries and did not allow them to play cards at home

In honor of the recent Grandparents’ Day, this past September 11, remember what your grandparents taught you.

What are your favorite card games?

What are you teaching your grandchildren?

Canasta is still a multigenerational game.

You only need two decks of cards, a grandparent, a grandchild, and time.

To you and the joy you share with your grandchildren.

Carol Covin, “Granny-Guru”