Reminiscing Through Dominos
Eight wins and two losses; the next day, nine wins and three losses. On a weekend I couldn't remember which day it was, 17 wins and seven losses. If you think I won more than I lost, you are most definitely wrong.
Playing dominos with my grandma was both frustrating and exciting. She would analyze the game and always knew what my next move would be. She would indicate the times I would have to pick up a domino piece, and even when I was so sure I would win the next game, she would laugh and say,
"Domino for you, right?" And I would pick up another domino. And she would change it immediately!
During our games we would talk about everything. I always learned something new about her. She told me about her life as a child living on a farm in the Dominican Republic. She recounted her memories of raising her children and other events in her 91-year-old life. I couldn't help but be fascinated by her strength, her perseverance and optimism even in this time of uncertainty and sadness.
She would recount her teenage years; sharing with me how she spent her time with her siblings, how supportive her parents were, and how different those times were. The desolate streets where from a distance you would only see streets, trees, and mountains. The conversations she would have with her siblings and neighbors. The joy and small troubles she had of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The happiness of Christmas where all the family would join for a huge feast. The antics that she would have with my grandfather, Enrique. But there was also sadness and challenges. The fear of living during a time of terror in a country where a dictator ruled. The loss of her two sons, Manolo and Freddy, longing to see them again. Being the only family member alive, while her parents, brothers, and sisters have all left this plane and gone into the next life. The strict upbringing she had, the longing for freedom to do and pursue what she wanted. She always wanted to finish school, but her parents never let her continue after finishing 3rd grade. Many moments from the past connect to what made her who she is.
Playing dominos gave us an opportunity to laugh and have fun during times of uncertainty. Her excitement when she would win a game, her competitive nature during the game, her seriousness when she would lose her games, and the jokes she would share so that I would play a bad hand.
The pain and loss are still there. As I sit with my grandma playing dominos, I began to understand how valuable time is. How important it is for our state of mind and how often we forget to cherish them, to collect these small joyful moments into memories.
Those small moments matter a lot to me, and I continue to create new memories with her, keeping her happy and smiling whenever possible. Memories that are unforgettable and everlasting.