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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Grrr! (01/28/10)
It isn’t like we weren’t close at one time. We were. My brother Brad and I did everything together. I guess time changes things and sometimes when you grow up, you grow apart. At least that’s the only thing I could figure out. The good ol’ days of childhood were a distant memory.

It seemed awkward on the day we spent together at our familiar stomping grounds, the resort that became our second home so long ago.

“Wanna play some putt-putt?” I asked.

Brad shrugged. “I guess so.”

After two rounds in which my ball decided to take multiple swims, then being defeated in five games of ping-pong, and my athletic abilities showing out in tennis where I didn’t return a single ball, I started to wish for the day to end.

A spark of our special friendship nearly ignited with a furious card game we had played more than a thousand times as kids– “Speed”. However, my victory in the game did little to re-kindle the fire.

Shuffleboard disks and sticks in hand, we tromped over the pine needles to the faded blue concrete, the numbers barely readable.

By this point, I had had it. I was tired, hungry and sick of feeling as if he'd rather be with someone else. No bridge could be built over the gorge that had formed between us.

We shoved the disks back and forth. Brad soon took the lead by double digits. My game remained its usual mess. For every ten points I scored, twenty would be deducted. With his score rising and mine falling from sight, I knew humor would be the only way to save my attitude and prevent an explosion.

“Grrr, Tiggers don’t like shuffleboard,” I said.

I had no idea why that particular statement bubbled out, and personally, I didn’t think it to be very funny.

From the look my brother gave me, I wondered if the reason for his distance was he considered me certifiably crazy.

Then Brad chuckled. Before long, he bent over double in laughter.

Brad spent the rest of the game pointing out my mistakes and showing me how to hold my shuffleboard stick properly. My score began to rise with my spirits.

Everything about the day changed after my impersonation of our favorite childhood “Winnie-the-Pooh” character. And with my talent in sports, I had plenty of opportunities to say it again. This time I tried to choose the perfect moment…

“Grrr, Tiggers don’t like volleyball,” when the ball bounced off my head.

“Grrr, Tiggers don’t like shooting pool,” when the cue stick slipped from my fingers.

“Grrr, Tiggers don’t like archery,” when my last arrow fell short of the target.

Brad cracked up laughing every time I used the silly phrase. I still didn’t see the great humor in it, but after the day ended, I loved the warm fuzzies I felt when my brother repeated the story to others. The simple phrase created a connection between us that had been lost for so long.

And that’s what Tiggers do the best.
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This article has been read 1287 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joy Bach 
02/05/10
What a great story. Loved it!
Ruth Brown
02/08/10
Clever story. Sometimes the simplest things can break the ice.
Joy Faire Stewart
02/09/10
I loved the interaction between the two in this adorable story, and the last sentence was perfect.
Mona Purvis
02/09/10
I envy those who grow closer together as they age. Never had a sister and always felt like it would be wonderful. This is a casual, well-told story and it makes one think about important things.
Good job.

Mona
Lyn Churchyard
02/09/10
From title to ending I enjoyed your story. Realistic reactions from siblings who have grown apart. I'm glad the breach between them was repaired. Good job.
Lisha Hunnicutt
02/10/10
It's amazing what small things will bring two people together! I enjoyed your light-hearted story.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
02/10/10
Your "family" story of how humor saved the day won me over. It was interesting all the way through with a great "punch line."
Loren T. Lowery
02/10/10
I really liked the way you presented this personal story - it could almost be used as a devotional. It is odd how the simplest of things can change one's perspective. It's called a paradigm shift and you've done it quite well. As a side note, we named our Cairn Terrier, Tigger. After that same beloved character from "Winnie the Pooh"
Yvonne Blake 
02/10/10
Smile...love it!
Pamela Kliewer 
02/10/10
Your story brought tears to my eyes... I have a twin brother named Brad... we've never been close. I'm so glad you and your brother had your connection reestablished.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/10/10
What a beautiful story. I'm so glad you managed to work things out. this was well-written and touched a special place in my heart.
Carol Penhorwood 
02/10/10
Loved this family story. I have been truly blessed with a close family and I know that "right well".
Lollie Hofer 
02/10/10
To know this is a true story makes is even more meaningful. Artistically crafted, well presented, absolutely lovely.
Edmond Ng
02/10/10
Lovely story well written. I can understand that distant feeling. Getting connected is simply not easy with grown-ups. LoL (",)
Carol Slider 
02/11/10
It's amazing what one word or phrase can do to reconnect people who've grown apart. A simple concept, perhaps, but very realistic. Good job!
Amanda Brogan
02/12/10
The very title cracked me up! I can see why your brother thought it was so funny. I don't know anybody who doesn't love Tigger. (I like to make my family members laugh with goofy movie quotes too.) ;)

Light-hearted and enjoyable! Congrats on ranking #12 in Level 3! :)
Margaret Kearley
02/17/10
Have only just read this - what a fantastic story. It hits so many deep truths and is well worth remembering when relationships gets strained. Thanks so much.