Candy Land

"Hey Natalie, do you want to play Candy Land?" My mom calls to me from the doorway, a smile on her face telling me that she's really asking. Will I please play the pointless little kid game with her and my little sister, even though, of course, I don't want to.

I bite my tongue to stop myself from responding with my immediate reaction: "No!" I think for three seconds, swivel around in the computer chair I'm inhabiting, smile back at her and say "Sure!" I say sure only because I know how happy it will make her and my little sister, Ally. Even though I feel much to "grown-up" for Candy Land. Even though I feel there are better things to do with my time.

One resounding game of Candy Land later I'm smiling and laughing with my family. I have even won the first game, which I must attribute to nothing but awesome luck. Ally has tackled me to the ground, and we are rolling our way across the carpeting. My mom looks at us and tells us how lucky she is to have us. I can't help but feel absolutely wonderful when my mom tells me this. Because I know she means it.

I realized after that first game of Candy Land how important it is to spend time with my family. I always expect it to be boring, or annoying, or just absolutely dreadful due to numerous things. And sometimes I'm right. But I realized I should spend time with my family for those times when it is truly exhilirating.

You're never too old for Candy Land.