And after all was played and counted, Japhia is now officially the repeat, two-time, and only Birthday Euchre Tournament Champion.
She enjoys it, but can't understand or explain it.
She's the least competitive of the four of us. She's the least intense in playing. Of the four of us she's the least likely to triumphantly slap a low trump on an opening Ace -- more likely she'll place it quietly and even apologetically -- at most, maybe betray a little smile of satisfaction at having been able to do it. She's the least likely to crow over a victory or cry over a defeat.
Of the four of us she's also the most likely to hold the game up to share a story and enjoy a memory, while we three hold our cards at the ready, all the better to resume the game as soon as the conversation break is over.
Feeling pressed to describe her play, all Japhia says is that she plays to support her partner, and when she doesn't have the cards to call, just does what she can to play to her partner's lead and provide the one trick she knows her partner may be counting on from her.
I have a feeling there's some really good lesson about life, about love, about marriage and community and the real meaning of success in this ... and no doubt I'll begin to see it, as soon as I get over the disappointment of finishing in the middle of the pack once again.
And maybe that "getting over it" will be the lesson itself.
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