The Game of Spades

Man. So many things have happened but I can truly say that I've lost a lot of games lately. I've also won some games, too. One thing I've learned from the game of spades is that when you've been given killer hand, you mustn't let your opponent reel you in to make bad decisions. Once you make the wrong move, your partner across from you will lose confidence in your game. The game of spades is one of the most intense games in American culture. People play the game of spades for fun when a party is going on. People play spades when some money is on the line and others play it for bragging rights. However, some are playing spades everyday they wake up and are given a new set of cards to play in this thing we call life. Some days, we are given killer hands when we have a bunch of spades to cut our opponents (situations, obstacles, people, places, etc.) down whenever they throw out a diamond, heart, or cloverleaf. Some days, we're given a so-so hand when we have to strategize, work hard, and be smart about how we play that round of the day. Some days, we are given a crap hand when nothing is going our way; when we are seemingly losing the game. I know for recent years, I've experienced all three situations, some more than others. But what I can say is that you have to play with the cards you've been dealt. Some days, you're a king or queen, everything in life is going your way, people are respecting you, cheering for you, and with true intentions, supporting you. Some days, you have to work hard for everything you have, to earn the respect in others eyes (but really proving to yourself alone that you will be the better person, caring less what others have to say about you). Some days, you will be looked at as the scum of the earth, the bad guy; when everything in your life is tumbling down. This is what all card players experience when playing the game of spades. Some games, your hand is loaded with spades. Some games, you have a mixed batch but have enough ammo to fight to the bitter end. Other games, you might not have jack and every attempt you make in trying to compete is destroyed by your opponent every time he or she cuts you with a spade. But one thing I've learned about this thing called life is that you are always playing with a partner right across from you who will share the joys and sorrows of the game. People who you are teaming with to win or lose that game of spades. One thing, in all three situations, you will always have a partner with you. You may not agree with each other on how the game is played but must learn to work together to win. That's what life is all about. Even when you lose, whether it's respect from other people, money, cars, friends, associations, jobs, etc, they'll be there to pick up the slack (and vice versa). It's rare in the spades I've seen partners walk out on their partner when they were down 200 points (playing to 350 or 500). Sometimes, people will walk out on you because they are afraid to lose but you can't be. There's so much I want to share with you all and if you've been reading my blogs, I hope they are helping those who may be in a worse predicament than I am. Just know this, whatever hand you've been dealt, play to win even if you don't have one single spade in your possession. Trust, they are times when a bad hand (a raw deal in life) can beat the other hand full of spades. It's all about how you play the game.

Til Next Time, words from the Ventilator.......