Life is a lot like euchre. Sometimes, you’re dealt a hand full of trump cards, and other times, you’re left wondering how to play a losing hand. For several years, I sat at the table with three close friends, shuffling cards, sharing laughs, and figuring out life together. One of those friends, the 4th card player, wasn’t just part of the game – she was the one who made it feel whole.
This blog is named for her. The 4th card player wasn’t just the last seat at the table; she was the heart of our group. She brought the joy, the calm, and the glue that held us together through every hand. Losing her has left an empty seat that no one else can fill, and the game – and life – feels different without her.
But this blog isn’t only about her or our euchre group. It’s about my life, especially in the years since COVID. That time brought a lot of changes, and with it, emotions I’ve been carrying; anger, hate, sadness and even glimmers of hope. Writing this blog is my way of releasing those feelings, reflecting on my journey, and honoring the people and the moments that have shaped me along the way.
Through The 4th Card Player, I’ll share my stories – of our euchre group, of loss and connection, and of what I’m learning as I navigate life without her. Some posts will be reflective, some raw, and some even a little funny. Life, after all, is a lot like euchre; you don’t always control the cards you’re dealt, but you figure out how to play them anyway.
If you’re ever felt stuck holding a bad hand, wrestled with loss, or wondered how to move forward when everything feels uncertain, I hope this space will resonate with you. Together, we can explore the hands we’re dealt and the lessons we find in playing them.
CLOSING THOUGHTS –
To my 4th card player, this blog is dedicated to you. Thank you for showing me that whether you hold trump or not, every game – every moment … is worth playing.
The 4th Card Player 
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