Under the pile of dominos determining our fate, the corner of a simple tile reminded me of another piece of the Casa de Cornelius game. A few years ago, P-DiL’s father moved to Chicago and settled near the C-boy Fam. P-DiL’s dad (henceforth known as PDD) settled in as part of the extended Cornelius family, dog-sitting, cooking, and taking part in family events. After a year or two, he moved into an apartment even closer, around the corner, making contact more convenient. Following LLJ’s birth, PDD cared for the baby as C-boy and P-DiL sludged through COVID working and finishing graduate school. I salute him. It would not be easy caring for a newborn in a small apartment during COVID.
PDD is restless, announcing a few months ago his plans to move to the Philippines. He has a thing about Asia. To say that the family was disappointed is too simple, but as a restless soul myself, I understand. Lucky for us, he kept his lease on the strategically located one-bedroom updated apartment. Mike and I stayed there during our last visit, enticing me with a move, at least during decent weather. I do love the city.
So what is the domino?
10. PDD’s lease is up in a few months, around the same time as C-boy fam’s lease. Anticipating homelessness around that time, I suggested P-DiL inform us before her father cancels the lease. We may need a place to stay.
Mexican Train is a popular game for my family when we get together. I would like to line up our life dominos as easily as when playing the game. Actually, when I think of it, there are many moments of frustration and defeat as players block each other, lack matches, or get stuck with an unplayable double (using my niece’s rules: CAN YOU FOLLOW IT UP? ALL CAPS BECAUSE THAT IS HOW THAT FAMILY CONVERSES.)
Okay, I will wait as God/Universe/Divine walks with me, throwing more possibilities in my path. On this Thanksgiving Day, I remind myself that my challenges come from my innumerable blessings. Without family, friends, privileges of wealth, health, and freedom, I would be subject to loneliness, insecurity, and despondency.
Today, look past the struggles, focus on the blessings.
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