Playing Bang-Bang

When the world, my sister's kids, and I were considerably younger, I used to babysit Diana's quartet.  I have to say they were sweet and angelic, as she reads this blog.  Actually, they were well behaved, as they knew Uncle Mickey was a snitch.  Also, their mother had told them Uncle Mickey was the Big Bad Wolf.  So while they loved me, they were scared to death of me.

But we had fun.  You see, we played the entire time, and the kids loved it when we played bang-bang. 

Oh, I know.  The ACLU, PTA, and OEA (Oklahoma Educational Association for you non-Okies) would be down on me had they but known.  Matter of fact, I'd probably be in jail for teaching such a dangerous game to minors.  Yet we had an educational form of bang-bang.

Yes, I said educational.

You see, we'd start out with a fast draw contest.  I'd always tell the kids, "Draw on the count of three."  Of course, I shot them on two.  Now, don't even think of scolding me, telling me what a cheat I am.  But I'm not.  You see, I never said I would draw on three, did I?  Hmmmmmmm?  It took the kids years to figure it out. 

When they finally shot me on two (the cheaters!) I started drawing on one.  Again, it took them months.  Alas, they started cheating again and they drew on one.  It finally got to the point, I'd tell them to draw on the count of three and they would immediately shoot me.

I get a tear in my eye, thinking about how well they learned.

Years later, Mom chastised me, telling me I'd taught her grandchildren to cheat.  Not so, I pointed out to her.  Her oldest grandson, Justin was walking by, and I asked him, "Justin!  What did Uncle Mickey teach you?"

"Never trust anyone," he said, continuing on. 

Mom thought that was horrible, and I pointed out they'd never been accosted by strangers, never hurt by anyone, etc.

I did my uncle's job well.

If only I could outdraw them now.