You're It!

My favorite game to play with Dad was, You're it. It was really a game of two-person tag that had a tendency to span the house and ended when someone or both players got tired. The rules were simple. Touch the other person and run away before they touched you back.

The game would often start in passing somewhere in the house. I remember the stairs being a popular place. Dad and I would acknowledge each other with a quick gentle tap on the shoulder. We'd go back and forth casually for a brief moment, until the distance between us grew larger and larger. At a certain distance, usually about four or five steps, the game was on! Soon we'd be tapping and running around the house giggling all the way. We'd surprise each other around corners and try to keep our footing on the slick floor. Soon we'd run out of breath and the game slowly would come to an end. There was never a declared winner, just an understanding that we'd continue this little battle in the future.

This was not just a childhood game. I clearly remember playing even in high school. As I got older, life got busy with school, sports, work and friends. Dad and I never really had oodles of time to spend together. However, this was our way of communicating and having a bit of fun. I'm glad he took time to humor me. Now we live far apart, but when we do see each other, occasionally I'll find myself giving him a little tap on the shoulder. Just to let him know that the game isn't over, just postponed for a while. Happy birthday Dad.

Love,
Lauren