The Competitve Spirit Never Dies

In living with my Grandmother, I have come to the realization that the competitive spirit within us all never dies. In fact I have realized that the pettiness of Junior High rears its head even at the wise old age of 86. I have experienced this on several occasions. One of these occasion was a trip to the famed Home Town Buffet, or should I say where Granny thinks she is famous. She and her husband have eaten at this restaurant for the past 20 years on an almost daily basis. She is considered one of the family there and often is allowed to pass by all the people in line to get to "her" table. Perhaps "allowed" and "her table" aren't the right words, but nevertheless accommodations are always made for her. It was on one of our visits there, a few months ago, as my sister and I sat with Granny that she recognized a lady sitting alone. A lady from the old days. Granny leaned over to whisper to us that this lady is "well-to-do," "the upper crust," " high faluting," or in other words from Claremont which may as well be Beverly Hills to her. Unfortunately, Granny didn't invite the lonely old lady over to sit with us. However, after our meal the lady approached our table. Granny and her proceeded to "catch up" on which turned into a conversation reminiscent of Junior High. It revolved around who is better or at least who's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are better by reviewing all their accomplishments. Thankfully my cousin just got married last summer and my sister graduated from UCLA so Granny had at least two points. Even in the pettiness we wanted Granny to win, but it was looking like a long shot after all she was from Claremont and we from Pomona (but not South Pomona). However when it was looking like Granny would lose this competition she was able to serve the winning blow, "Oh, yes, by the way the two girls here...they moved in with me last October....it's so nice to have them around the house, I don't have to worry at night anymore." We just sat there and smiled as the poor lady walked away. Ah, even at 86 we want to win.

Yes, Granny had a birthday. She turned 86 last weekend which brings up another point regarding her competitive spirit. Granny prides herself on the amount of cards she receives on the holidays. To her credit she has done well at maintaining many relationships over the years and while I may get 5 birthday cards, Granny receives many many more. (Yes, she did ask how many I received). This year Granny turned 86, and her brother John turned 90, and thus ensued a competition; however, I have a sneaking suspicion it was one sided. See, Granny was afraid Uncle John wouldn't be remembered on his birthday, and so she enlisted all of us to send cards (like we wouldn't have otherwise). With all of us sending cards, along with his family, friends, church and other ministries he's involved in ....the cards poured in. Of course Granny didn't want Uncle John to be forgotten on such an important birthday, but I have a sneaking suspicion she didn't want him to do quite so well either.  To her disguised disappointment surprise parties were thrown, big church gatherings were held in his honor, and Birthday cards poured in (around 100!).   Although she didn't admit she was jealous, she had to think quickly about what she would say when he asked her how many cards she was receiving for her birthday.

 One by one her cards slowly drifted in. Daily she checked the mail, opened the card and put it on the table as a proud display. Daily she gave me her total. It didn't look like she would meet her quota. Since according to her, she normally averages 35 cards on a Birthday. She seemed disappointed especially since Uncle John received so much attention. (She was not ashamed to tell him that according to averages she normally fares better than him--and would remind relatives that he wasn't used to such attention, unlike her.) Thankfully, some of the family pulled through with 2 cards each (thanks sis),  after all, this year her birthday fell on Mother's Day. It amazes me that at age 86 it matters who has more cards!