Red Rover, Red Rover, Send Us Your Best On Over!

     Families have a unique dynamic.  Some are closely knit, and talk to each other everyday.  Others, may not be close at all, and rarely see one another.  My immediate family, is somewhere in between.
      Families have their ups and downs, some, more ups, some, more downs.  If they work together as one unit, they are impenetrable.  If they work independently of each other, they are only as strong as their weakest member.
     I remember playing Red Rover, as a kid.  A group of at least five kids would make up each team.  They would stand beside one another, hands and arms clasped together.  The captain of the team would yell to the other team, "Red Rover, Red Rover, we call _______(insert names of opposite team here) over."  Whoever was called over, would run with all their might, and try to break through the chain of arms.  If the person could not break the chain, they were captured, and worked for that team.  The game continued until everyone was captured  or there was a stalemate.  It was always a lot of fun, and it wasn't just a game of bruit strength, it was a game of strategy too.  If you, (the runner) could run at the weakest part of the chain, you had a good chance of breaking it.
        I liken this childhood game to belonging to a family.  Each member, can be strong, but alone, they are still not as strong as when their arms are joined to each other.  Together, is always better, stronger, and more unified.
      Unfortunately, a family member sometimes brings someone new to the fold, that everyone else knows isn't good for the team.  Negative behaviour, belligerent attitudes and disrespect will weaken the chain every time, if not break it all together.  Why?  Because this individual found the weak spot in the chain, someone vulnerable, who willingly opens up their arms, welcoming this person, effectively sabotaging their family chain.
      My family, has experienced this on occasion.  It's a traumatic and exhausting experience to say the least.  Recently, we have been tested once again.  True to form, this individual directed his manipulative manoeuvres toward a vulnerable chain  in our family.  It did not bode well for this individual.  My family, loyal to the core, rallied around one another, holding our arms and bonds tightly together.  We worked together, and staved off this attack.
      However, we didn't capture this person for our team.  We threw him back, beaten, and battered, realizing he had made a huge mistake.  I know, he will make another run at our chain, probably a few before he gives up out of frustration.   My family does not give up.  Ever!  
     Families are our first defence, or last defence, depending on the situation.  If the bonds of love, support and courage are strong enough, the chain will never be broken.  Your family will be yelling, "Red Rover, Red Rover, send us your best over!  We've got this!"
 

Comments

Popular Posts