Uncle P. Uncle P (Alfredo E. Phipps, Jr)
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Disclaimer
Uncle P: Challenging the Unknown is a work of fiction in which both the characters and the events in this story are parts of the author’s imagination. Any event in this work of fiction similar to real life is a coincidence. The author assumes no responsibility for any real-life event that resembles this work of fiction.
Any material, strategies, or products mentioned by the author are not part of any promotion. Therefore, the author has no responsibility, obligation, or commitment to any owner or company, nor to promote their products. In addition, reading this book does not guarantee that the results would be the same.
The author of Uncle P: Challenging the Unknown has made every reasonable effort to make this fiction story flow and be as prudent as possible for the reader.
The author assumes no responsibility for any involuntary error or exclusion that may be found.
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Dedications
I would like to dedicate this book to all those who made it possible.
You helped me to device the characters in this book and for everyone who stayed with me throughout. Each character is a life experience that we throughout.
This book pays homage to everyone who supported me and who became an inspiration for me in ways different from one another.
To my beautiful wife, Yamiri: Your unconditional love sustains me. Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. Your constant love and support motivate me to be a better husband, father, and writer. Your words of encouragement make me feel as if I could conquer the world.
I am blessed beyond measure to have you walk beside me, and I thank God every day for blessing me with you.
To my son, Joshua G Phipps, who has always made me proud! Since a young age, you have been an example of the best son, and I cannot express the happiness I feel when I hear people speaking well about you. You have been a source of content through and through. You are the reason that I never gave up—having you as my son is an honor.
To my stepchildren, Michael Gordon and Mikela Gordon, who allowed me to become a part of their lives. I always want to be a role model for you and want to let you know I will always be there for you!
To my four brothers and my sisters-in-law, Aristides and Evangelista: I would like to extend these thanks for your constant support and your valuable advice.
Samuel and Maria, who have been a support system no matter how adverse the situations became.
Yendi and Mairelis, who are also my pastors, who guided me and trusted me with the Christian education at Centro Familiar Cristiano. Thank you, thank you for always trying to bring the best out of me. Honorable Pastor Yendi, you are one of my favorite preachers.
David and Jacqueline: you both are the best examples of people who would do unconditional favors and who wouldn’t ask for anything in return.
To my beloved parents, Alfredo and Cristina Phipps, who gave their all just to provide for me and my brothers! I am happy to have parents like you.
Dad, thank you for teaching me the correct way of life, the importance of morals, and the importance of earning my living with dignity.
Mom, I love you. I love you a lot. Thank you for always loving me and making me who I am today.
To the apostles Jose and Scarlet Rosa: I love you very much. Apostle Jose, you are like a hero to me. Your lifestyle has been a living example for me to be a humble and helpful human being. Thank you for introducing me to Christian education and making me understand the importance of the biblical scriptures.
To Doctors Gabriel Elias and Hiddekkel Paulino: I am grateful that you made me step out of my comfort zone. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible. Our educational trips to Greece, Turkey, Palestine, Jordan, and Israel have been life-changing experiences for me. I love the way you teach. Thank you.
I also want to thank a great friend, coworker, and book lover, Jennifer M. Wright. Thank you for your constant advice and support. Your persistence and resilience is something only found in people of substance.
Thanks to everyone who made it to the end, and thanks to you!
The readers who hold this piece written by me in their hands. I would like to show gratitude to all of you and thank you all once again.
Prologue
Didn’t it occur to you ever in your life that sometimes, we need to adopt change; sometimes we need to go in the flow?
Sometimes, we have to let things be and wait for them to turn out right.
However, on the other side, some circumstances call for action; they call for attention and a prompt measure.
It is up to us to decide the route we would like for ourselves.
What do we choose? An initiative or a regret, about not taking the initiative when it was due!
It is often said only dead fishes go with the flow; however, is it even the case?
Can we make things turn just like we want?
I think not!
Many things happen in our lives that are out of control; there are instances where we fail to accomplish our goals or where things do not go as per our plans.
Should it make us accept our failure?
Enclosed are stories of people coming from various backgrounds, nationalities, and age groups, from a young boy to an old lady. All of them have been met with unexpected adversities in life.
However, should these adversities stop them in any way? Should they give in to adversities?
At times, they, like you, felt that they could not go forward, that they need to give up or it is too much to bear.
However, it is not always the case. Coal under pressure becomes a diamond.
This is what life expects from the characters in this book and from all of us.
Life puts different things in front of us. It is our approach to such events that shape our lives. No doubt, our experience helps us to make decisions. But life is a teacher.
This teacher teaches us lessons.
We all are given a different type of exam. We are put through different kind of situations.
It is not the case that God loves us less and loves someone else more.
We are all given challenges based on our capacities. We are all born and raised in societies different from one another.
We all have different personalities and different outlooks to life.
Every character in this book is faced with a different challenge.
It is not sufficient to say that one has a more difficult battle than others.
How will they come about? This is yet to be seen …
Chapter 1: It’s Not Always About Winning
“Let’s give a round of applause for the Jefferson Jaguars, the Roosevelt Rockets, and their incredible basketball players. On the count of three: one, two, three!”
The crowd clapped and cheered for the two teams as they prepared to enter the basketball court.