Gambling Lessons from Mama to Son!

I took boy-child (and others)  to the horse races (sorry animal advocates) to celebrate a milestone birthday for his father. Boy-child was a willing participant to the day’s events, though he didn't know what to expect. Because he cares deeply for his father and wanted to help ensure the celebratory tone of the day continued, he walked onto the fairgrounds and racetrack with a sense of positivity and awe. To his surprise, the intensity of those studying stats and amateurs picking horses by name, energized him to the point of wanting to get involved.I remembered my own father giving me the race lists and having me pick horses I “felt” were winners with such fondness, that I welcomed his enthusiasm.

I let him pick the horse that “moved him” and had him walk up to the betting counter with me. As I bet on his horse to, “win, place or show,” with a whopping $4, he smiled, paced and had the racing heart of a seasoned gambler. I chuckled, smiled and explained where to look to see if, in fact, his horse would “come in.”

As we watched the horses cross the finish line, his horse in first, I told him that winning wasn't the norm.. As I placed the $10 winnings in his hand, he vibrated with energy and floated back to our inner track picnic area to celebrate with our friends.

I took this moment to talk about the winners high and loser’s, “just one more bet.” He didn't “get it” until we bet $4 of his winnings on another race and he lost. He literally laid prostrate on the ground as if in a silent temper tantrum. I took this moment to discuss gambling addicts and their need for, “just one more time.”

After reconciling with the loss, he announced to the group, “I gotta go one more time so I can win my money back,” (I reminded him it was “my” money to begin with!)  After a whisper filled convo over the race bulletin and paper, he picked a horse, yet entrusted me with the type of bet as he almost regretfully handed me $4.

His horse came in, he won his money back and announced proudly, “I’m, DONE.” He didn't want to bet the rest of the day, though he cheered his mother on as I placed a few more bets including a winner in the 10th

As I watched my quickly approaching adulthood child, I smiled at his sensibility. I realized his hard-hardheadedness hadn't kept him from hearing the little gems of wisdom that I’d slipped his way here and there. Maybe he was listening underneath that, "OMG, I don't need to hear this," posturing. What other times had he absorbed things I'd said when I swore I was talking just to hear myself? SO MANY TIMES, THEY HEAR US. So, keep talking. He made me laugh, smile and realize, that in the end, he just might be OK and have a little fun along the way. Something his mother should remember, too!