Learning how to play chess.
I think my dad would be proud!
As some of you know, my dad passed away a few years ago. He loved playing chess. It was his favorite game. He tried to explain it to me when I was younger; he had even bought a game called “Chess Teacher” to try to help me to learn, but I just didn’t understand it. Sadly, I never learned how to play chess while he was still alive. My mom doesn’t play chess either, so he had to play chess solo. He wasn’t interested in joining in any clubs or sites to play chess. We had gotten him a handheld electronic chess game, and he loved it! He could play chess whenever and wherever he wanted. He took it everywhere with him.
I think I’m still processing my dad’s death. I know he’s gone and that his death was not a surprise (he had suffered from incurable cancer), but I am still in shock that he’s gone. I use his old iPhone as my backup phone as one way to connect to him. However, a few days ago, I had a strong urge to go to chess.com, a site I had never visited. I’m not sure why, maybe my dad’s spirit “nudged” me towards it. Well, I spent some time on the site and I was impressed by the puzzles and lessons. They are perfect for a complete beginner like me. I immediately signed up for an account and downloaded the app. I’ve even started doing some of the daily puzzles! And, even more shocking, I’ve even joined the US Chess Federation! I’m not going to be a Grandmaster or anything like that, but I am thoroughly enjoying chess now! I’ve even purchased a cheap chess set so that I can try the puzzles out on the chessboard before doing them online. I learn better by doing, so having the physical chessboard in front of me will be very helpful.
I wish my dad could see this. I think he’d be so proud of me, learning a game that I never thought I could learn. I think this is also helping me to keep connecting with him and to process his death. Also, chess is good for your brain!