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Sarasota News Leader LET'S PLAY November 22, 2013 OPINION Page 89 By Harriet Cuthbert Contributing Writer COMMENTARY "Do you wanna play with us?" Those six words, making up that simple sentence, evoke huge memories for me. And in composing a universally recognized question, they are both an equalizer and an ageless invitation. This is a very powerful sentence. responsibilities? Will we always feel like outsiders, as we do then? Once more, that same six-word sentence, offering a sense of belonging and comfort, comes up. We can join a team, be accepted and not feel so alone. We do not have to be limited to one sport, either, or one game. The The last time I said it was not long ago at possibilities are endless, and the warm welmy local tennis court. We had three players come is extended for all of us. and were looking for a fourth. I saw a man Later in life, if we seek new companionship approaching the court next to ours, and since and are taking up new interests (Pickleball, I thought he was alone and looking for a game, anybody?), the idea that someone we have I invited him to "play" with us. not met yet will invite us into a group of peoChildhood games that we make up as we go ple, asking if we want to play with them, is a along always seem to allow for more players. most wondrous and welcoming concept. As a youngster growing up in a large apartLet the games begin … I am always ready to ment complex, you never knew what the play. % game of the day would be until you went over to the yard/playing area, saw something going on and responded to the question, "Do you LETTERS TO THE EDITOR wanna play with us?" The answer was always The Sarasota News Leader welcomes letters to the editor from its a resounding and unequivocal "YES!!" You readers. Letters should be no more were then part of the group, feeling that sense than 300 words in length, and inof belonging. You might have been competing clude the name, street address and telephone with the others, but you were feeling absonumber of the writer. Letters should be emailed to Letters@SarasotaNewsLeader.com, with lutely comfortable. Teenage years are mostly complicated and difficult, for both the parents and the teenagers. As teens, are we still feeling more like small children? Can we take on more adult "Letter to the Editor" in the subject line. Letters actually printed will be selected based on space available, subject matter and other factors. We reserve the right to edit any letters submitted for length, grammar, spelling, etc. All letters submitted become the property of The Sarasota News Leader.