My turn:

I'm just going to post the layout again and then the journaling, which pretty much sums it up. ;) Okay, one thought, though. Having just spent a week visiting relatives we don't see often enough and celebrating Grandpa Al's life, I'm reminded of just how poignant memories like these can be. Please take a moment to just think about the things you cherish doing with loved ones...they don't have to be giant events or super activities...it's the quiet little things that can leave the biggest memories.

The journaling reads: Pinochle. I never asked you when you started playing or who taught you, Dad. I know, though, that it was you who taught me…that I’ve been playing pinochle since at least high school. Given the spread of our ages, I didn’t play many board or card games with my siblings growing up. When I think of games, I remember three-legged pinochle, the Farming Game, and a card game called Mhing. All of these were with you and Mom, sitting around the table in the living room, enjoying a respite from the younger kids and life in general. Pinochle was a favorite, one we even played during holidays with your extended family. (Thanksgiving pinochle tournaments were awesome.) It wasn’t until I started playing the game with Nathan and his parents that I understood that some of the rules I’d learned were specific to you…that I realized how much I associate the game with you…and that I learned how my own play reflects how we played the game, little quirks and patterns…like how you didn’t always lead with trump and how you drove Mom crazy by not putting your cards in order. Now, then, when I see a deck of pinochle cards, I see you and our times together…and I always will.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Don't forget, this challenge won't be due until Saturday, November 28. Be sure to post a link to your take on this one to the original challenge post for your chance to win the beautiful prize from PixiePetals! Thanks!