August 23: Bobby Russ
As silly as this may sound, I brought Renee's old Walmart Neighborhood Market badge into work today. It was a way for her to accompany me today and help me get through. There were times today that I felt the tears trying to run through. I cried a bit off and on today including myself to sleep. It's a step by step process, but one that I will get by with her by my side... even if it's just in spirit and not physically like I want. For she will never be gone from me, as she is a part of me.
Another part of my life (and hers) was playing cards. We played cards when we could with family. We were very competitive. I got that partly due to both grandmas that I have. They always loved to win and my dad's mom literally had a book of Hoyle. So, I learned the right way to play cards.
Fast forward to what would be Renee's last day of card playing. It was me, her, my mom, and my step dad. The first hand of Hearts that day Renee came out swinging by shooting the moon and winning the game. She would end up winning the game with 41 points with me almost double. Of course, my determination to win wouldn't let me give up. There's one rule in any game you play against me.... If you won, know I didn't let you, you earned it.
The second game I ended up taking after a slow start with both my mom and step dad shooting the moon. The third game of hearts was one in which I battled, but I ended up winning. We ended up changing up to Uno. I got my posterior kicked to be blunt.
At that time, Renee decided she was hungry and made us food. My mom and step dad decided to mow the lawn while it was being made. Given the hour, dinner being made, and the fact Renee was going to head into work early, we all thought that the night of games was over.
Then, Renee looked at us (after eating) and said that she wanted to play one more game of cards. Obviously, we loved the idea and was excited to get in one more game. Little would we know that 3 days later she would be taken away from us and it would be the last game she would ever play...
The final game would start off with her only getting 4 points with me and my step dad getting 3 and 0. However, she would come back in the next round by shooting the moon. I tried to stop her, but I couldn't. So, now, she started her lead. In the next round, she would gain 8 points keeping her first place. She would attempt to shoot the moon, but fail getting 22 points with my mom stopping her. Fired up and wanting to win, she would then pull out a moon shoot to give everyone 26 points and keep her lead. She would only gain 9 more points bringing her total to 43 points for the game and Victory over everyone by far... Me and David were both at 92 and my mom at 111.
I remember how happy she was to have won. She had won the final game and could lay down knowing she fought hard in cards and won. I will always remember how happy she was. She played with skill, with passion, and with wit. I always enjoyed playing cards against her as she was such a thrill to challenge.
My cousin Ronnie would sometimes shoot the moon and then leave. Renee won her final game of cards and went out on top. I remember us congratulating her on such a good game. I was very proud of her and if I am to lose, I loved losing to her. We lost a great card player and a companion. I love you dear and now at least I know you won't be able to give me the queen of spades again...
