In another universe, I’m a novelist and our son is disability free. Oh, the what ifs of the multiverse.
I watched “Everything Everywhere All At Once” this weekend, the Michelle Yeoh-starring film that is generating major Oscar buzz.
The film is about the multiverse, where infinite and different versions of the same characters exist.
The directors must’ve been on potent drugs, because this film is bonkers – converging multiple genres, like martial arts and animation, and has characters in one universe with hotdog fingers and in another universe, existing as stop motion rocks that converse in speech bubbles.
It is as insane as it sounds but it all comes together cohesively and at its core, the movie is a genuinely moving story about family and love.
After watching the movie, I couldn’t help but think about the concept of the multiverse – that there are infinite versions of my family’s life that exists, each a branch of a different decision made or circumstance.
In other universes, I am a teacher because I accepted the offer to the teaching program at age 19 instead of studying journalism; or I am a journalist because I pursued that career after graduation instead of working in libraries; or I would’ve published several novels by now, because I committed my focus to doing so.
In other universes, I am living in the Philippines, because my parents did not immigrate to Canada and the hubby and I do not know each other; or the hubby and I do not have kids; or we have children adopted privately and not through CAS.
In other universes, T’s mother is raising him because she had a stable life; or T does not have FASD.
The vast mystery of universe is fascinating and humbling to think about – we are just a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of time and space and of the creator’s master plan.
It can indeed be tempting to think about the what ifs, especially when one is in the trenches.
But the one key message of the movie – no spoilers – is to embrace and be grateful for the here and now and what is in front of you.
And that’s how I’ve always embraced this happy, crazy, joyful and chaotic journey with T.
Because FASD is very much part of T and what makes him T – for better and for worse.
As the movie was reaching its end, T sauntered down the family room to find me.
He asked me earnestly, “When you poop, is it long?”
Yup, wouldn’t trade this T for another one.
He let me finish the movie then we played stuffed animal tag, a game we made up where we chase and hurl stuffed animals at each other.
The next morning, as I was cleaning up after breakfast, T told me to come to the living room.
He had created Daddy, Papa and T out of his blocks (see photo at top). He gave himself a Lego dog.
I amused myself with the thought that there is another universe where we all exist and love one another as Lego people.
A creative and inspiring post, indeed. So neat how you imagine your own and your family’s alternate universals selves. And the Lego people are awesome. Give ‘em Googly-Eyes!
Thank you. It’s a wonderful film that inspires us to think about the What Ifs – and I’m glad it won big at the Oscars.
I love your thoughtful, insightful, post infused with your particular (and enjoyable) brand of humor Ab. I like thinking about the multiverse and endless possibilities , and simultaneously 🙂 like the now of life. T’s Lego art is very creative and sweet. I’m sending you and yours warm holiday wishes.
LaDonna, so nice to hear from you. Yes, the what ifs are so nice to fantasize about but it’s also wonderful that we can also ground ourselves in the what is.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas as well. We’re in the midst of s snowstorm so family plans are cancelled. Probably a sign to focus on the now! 😆
Oh I’m sorry Ab. I know it will still be festive but they is disappointing 💗
I loved all your what if’s, however, look at the wonderful person you are because of the what is!
Thank you, Diane. I believe we’re meant to be who and where and how we are. The what ifs are interesting to think about but also grateful for the what is.
Wishing your family a Merry Christmas!
It’s hard to imagine what life would be like if we made different decisions or if we never met certain people. I like to think that everything happens for a reason and we wouldn’t be who we are today without all those past experiences and choices. Sounds like a crazy movie. I’ll have to add this to my list of things to watch over the holidays. Oh T, he sure knows how to bring the comedy!
Thanks Linda. If you have Amazon Prime, you can stream it now for “free”. Enjoy it! It’s wonderful and you’ll definitely bring hearing more about it in the awards season coming up.
I love this post, your introspection. We can imagine ourselves in any life we wish, but at the end of the day, as Dorothy said in a different movie, The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” I love T’s Lego creations, too! Happy Holidays to you all, dear Ab!
Thanks Jill. The connection back to The Wizard of Oz is wonderful and is true. For better and for worse, this is life. Let’s live it for all we’ve got.
‘Tis the best we can do, my friend. No point wasting it by spending time longing for what can never be, right?
It’s a wonderful journey
It all sure is. Thanks Gary!
I cant stop laughing about the poop. So much like myself. I come out with the most random questions and comments, and my family sits there and blinks before giving me an answer. Lol. Love it! And his lego creation is great!
Yes, the most random comments – good and bad – sure put us all on our toes!
I was blown away by that movie! I’ve been meaning to rewatch it and your post has reminded me of such.
I love the message you took from it and it sounds like you’re having fun with the various multiverse fantasies. Also the T asking if your poop is long cracked me up. You definitely have the best version! And he definitely has the best version of parents!
Wishing you lots of love and happiness this holiday season!
Thanks Caitlyn. It really was an enjoyable movie and I’m glad that Michelle Yeoh is finally getting a chance for awards recognition.
Enjoy the rewatch. I may just do the same this weekend to see what I missed. There was a lot going on.
What a fascinating and inspiring post, Ab. I love “The vast mystery of universe is fascinating and humbling to think about – we are just a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of time and space and of the creator’s master plan.”
Yes, it is humbling and mind-bending to think about. And lovely to feel the gratitude that comes from appreciating the life we have.
I love the lego people – so cute! What perfectly imperfect lives we live! Thankful for you and connecting with you in this universe!
Thanks Wynne. Astronomy is a big interest of mine and when I see the developments with the new NASA telescope, it’s just mind boggling to think how small we really are. I do hope that we get to encounter life on other planets during our lifetime. Our kids, for sure.
Enjoy the rest of your week! Almost Christmas. Just a handful of days left.
Wouldn’t that be amazing to go into space? And I love how much I learned about your life path in this post – teaching, journalism, novelist. So many alternatives!!