That was rather bittersweet, for me. This was the year that he turned 21, (on July 4) a day that my mother had looked forward to for many years! Mom has been gone from this earth for nearly five years. She so wanted to show him all the ropes, and see his thrill the first time he was able to pull that arm down, or push a button whatever it may be. I was not happy that she was not here to get her wish, so I was happy to have Nicole in town to send along with Calvin so I didn't have to go (she got to take the pictures for me, as I felt I would look rather silly sitting at a machine with tears running down my face) plus I got alone time with the grandkids! From the picture's I think his grandma would have gotten a kick out of his first gambling experience. Kevin showing off his casino card.
Dad showing him you have to take money out of your wallet to put in the machine.
He hit a little something, oh boy!
putting the ticket in to get his money out.
Just like his sister, take the winnings and run . . .
Kevin has been gambling a few times since then, today we went again. I decided that it was time for him to learn video poker as that was one of grandma's favorite's. I'm not a very good teacher, if I understand something, I just figure every one else does also. I kept saying things like" what two do you want to keep," meaning the pair, Kevin thinking the "2". Then I figured it out and saying "the one's that are the same", well, that worked until he got four hearts and I was saying no keep the hearts. Poor kid was like the same what? Make up your mind the shapes or the numbers? He was down to his last dollar, put his hand up and said, "I do it myself, o hey?" I figured OK do it yourself. He did it and got it right, by George (pun intended) I think he's got it!
I must say that after five years I still miss and think about my mom every. single. day. Usually with a smile as the memories are great but, today as I write this, it is with tears, because as much as she wanted to be here for this milestone of my boy's, I want her to be here also. To my children who I've always taught life isn't always fair, here is a prime example.
Now to those of you who still can, GO HUG your MOM!
Dad showing him you have to take money out of your wallet to put in the machine.
He hit a little something, oh boy!
putting the ticket in to get his money out.
Just like his sister, take the winnings and run . . .
Kevin has been gambling a few times since then, today we went again. I decided that it was time for him to learn video poker as that was one of grandma's favorite's. I'm not a very good teacher, if I understand something, I just figure every one else does also. I kept saying things like" what two do you want to keep," meaning the pair, Kevin thinking the "2". Then I figured it out and saying "the one's that are the same", well, that worked until he got four hearts and I was saying no keep the hearts. Poor kid was like the same what? Make up your mind the shapes or the numbers? He was down to his last dollar, put his hand up and said, "I do it myself, o hey?" I figured OK do it yourself. He did it and got it right, by George (pun intended) I think he's got it!
I must say that after five years I still miss and think about my mom every. single. day. Usually with a smile as the memories are great but, today as I write this, it is with tears, because as much as she wanted to be here for this milestone of my boy's, I want her to be here also. To my children who I've always taught life isn't always fair, here is a prime example.
Now to those of you who still can, GO HUG your MOM!
