Super Mario: Video game icon to ultimate friendship igniter

We all know and love the super fantastic video game character (need I say Icon), Super Mario. I read recently he is the 2nd most distinguishable fantasy character in the world, 2nd only to Pacman. I tell you folks, Pacman has nothing on Super Mario's ability to bring together people and forge a friendship that will last a lifetime. How about that for 45 bucks?

What began as the very last, I mean very last (not so sure if I should spend that last bit of money) Christmas present to Ashley has quickly become the ultimate catalyst to a great friendship. Who knew that a video game could bring four people so close? Wait a minute. I know. God is always thinking about his plans for us even when we're not.

If you really think about it, it all makes sense why an awesome video game designed after the original 8-bit Nintendo Mario that now allows four people to play simultaneously would ignite a friendship. How clever the makers of this game must have been. Although, I can't help but think how this plan could backfire in some circumstances. Some would say it's insane to allow four people to run through a world filled with flying turtles, spike throwing cloudmen, flying fish, and fireball spitting plants with the ability to throw one another, bounce off each other's heads, and smush each other as the board closes in on the slower players. I say it's genius. The excited high fives as we beat yet another seemingly impossible level to the yelling and the blame that occurs just after the last person alive leaps into the molten lava as he/she sees the finish flag in sight are all part of the bonding experience that is Super Mario Wii. For us, maybe it's the game experience along with the coffee & brownie breaks and the lighthearted spiritual conversations that ensue after another level is completed that makes for such memorable moments. While the 3 and 4 AM nights may further sink us into permanent sleep deprived zombies, that is little sacrifice for the amazing friendship that has resulted from these nights.

So, for those who only thought Super Mario was capable of amazing jumps, stomping on turtles heads, and saving the Princess, think again. There is much more to the whole experience that has created memorable moments of joy and silliness for us and our new found friendship.