No to November

November arrived yesterday and my early report is not good. On that Monday morning, daughter-in law Asia and I were taking a long walk and rehashing Halloween weekend. Her ten year old daughter Zofia had enjoyed a Friday school party and Saturday church Trunk or Treat event but Sunday night was a dark comedy of miscommunications and missed connections with the family of her best friend Sonali. Eager anticipation was crushed by the reality of Trick or Treating only with her grandfather as earlier back up options were no longer available. She was careful not to hurt my feelings but had desperately wanted Sonali to see her homemade bloody bride outfit with dirt and blood (red paint) stained on a white dress and veil. Zofia added an eerie candle and lipstick. I was vaguely uncomfortable because she used her First Communion dress but at least it was being worn again and money was not spent on a fancy costume. Asia and I argued over who to blame for Sunday’s mix-up. She targeted me and the lizards masquerading as Americans. I countered by blaming her and the school system. Suddenly a rogue bee vaccinated my right calf late in pollination season. This destroys my credibility with grandchildren who are terrified of bees. I always assure them that bees will not sting humans if left alone. The bee made a liar and killer out of me as I completed its suicide mission with an instinctive swat. That same morning, my first cousin emailed me that her husband was diagnosed with a life threatening cancer that chemotherapy cannot help. That changed my entire perspective of what is actually wrong with this November so far.