This I Believe

I am 15 years old and I believe in a good game of scrabble. When I was younger family used to be the center of my life and everything depended on what your mommy or daddy said. I used to do everything with my family and they were the best people ever. My daddy was my hero and my mommy was amazing and always knew how to make me feel better. In the past I was always happy to be with my mom and dad and I always had a great time no matter what we did. As I have grown up being with my family is not always my first choice anymore. I would much rather hang out with my friends or even just by myself. I know it’s just a part of growing up and it happens to everyone; but why can’t we go back to those days where my parents were cool and were never so embarrassing. Since I was young my parents and I have loved playing games together. Any game, you name it we’ve probably played it. Games really bring the family together. There is always competition so that alone makes it fun. Plus there are always a lot of laughs and with many games there is a lot of time to talk. Time to talk about how we have been lately and also to hear about each others days. This time to me is precious. My family doesn’t play games as often as we used to. It’s really hard to take time out of our day for something as simple as playing a game of scrabble or gin rummy. Other people may find our method of family togetherness too simple or stupid. But this simple thing keeps me, my brother, and my parents on the same page. If things were as they used to be, my family would be my best friends. So obviously some time there has to be a separation between parents and their kids. In some respects this is really sad. It’s sad that the world around us tells us to pull away from our parents. Especially when we still need them everyday to help guide us on the right path. Teenage years are the years to spend less time with your parents and spend more time figuring out your own identity and what independence is all about. Parents can help shape who you are, but eventually you need to finish the process on your own. I wish I could be like my mom. She’s kind hearted, funny, caring, hardworking, and puts others feelings and well being first. That is what I have found out about my mom over the years of being with her. If I hadn’t spent quality time with my mom, playing scrabble or reading a book, I may not have known what a wonderful person she was. So parents play games with your kids and kids ask to play games with your parents. Because I Kelsey Amstutz, believe in a good game of scrabble