To Build a Better Home

To Build a Better Home

Birthdays are a time to put the star on the tree, as it were. Jordan had planned the tiniest of details of his party, pushing all of his staff to get everything perfect. His birthday was to celebrate his 55^th birthday and to celebrate the opening of his 10^th business. All of his businesses had been absolute successes. The only thorn in all of his plans was his nephew, Stanley. Jordan had been named Stanley’s guardian when Jordan’s brother and his wife had died tragically in a car accident when Stanley was three years old. For many years, their relationship had been magical. So while Stanley was his nephew, after all these years, their relationship was as father and son. But…..Stanley wanted more and more every day. Jordan did wonder sometimes if it was because he had given him too much as a child and a young man. He had never pushed him to be or do anything more than he wanted to. Now in his late twenties, Stanley was still needy and selfish.

Jordan’s new business was completely different. Jordan was known in his business community as a man who made money. Consumer businesses - electronics, furniture and anything else for the wannabe customers in the region. But tonight’s party was to announce the opening of a new Social Housing enterprise on the old Moorhead Estate. He had purchased the estate the year before with the original intent to create a grand new home for himself. But, his nephew Stanley had other ideas. He had been active in the Commuity Homeless Coalition for several years and had approached his uncle about developing social housing to house 20 to 25 families, including some units for single individuals. Selfish young man. Why should Jordan spend his money on people he didn’t even know? After much arm twisting, Jordan had acquiesced to his nephew’s constant pleas. Jordan thought the deal was complete. He could go ahead and have his architects and builders restructure Moorhead Arms into separate suites and apartments. But Stanley wanted to be in on all the details.  

Well, ultimately Jordan and Stanley would butt heads about these details. Stanley was not backing down and neither was his uncle. Jordan lived in a world of convenience and abundance. Those people that were homeless did not have even have the conveniences of showers, refrigerators or the security of a key in their front door. When Jordan was concerned about fancy light fixtures and plush carpeting, Stanley was concerned about building security and plumbing. 

One day there was a shouting match to end all shouting matches. Both were committed to going forward with the Social Housing enterprise. Jordan, because he found it was giving him a glowing community personna. Stanley because he had invested his life in providing for a very marginalized population. He had been aware for many years that he had been very, very fortunate to have been raised by his uncle, when foster homes could have been his lot. As evening gathered around their dissent, Jordan and Stanley realized they were getting nowhere. Sudden silence stretched the incredible tension. Continuing their fight could just erase any potential for success. They were more alike than they wanted to admit. 

Stanley was the first to speak. ‘Uncle Jordan. You are stubborn, arrogant and I love you. What can I do to make this work?’

‘Stanley, please just forgive me. I plow through things without thinking about anyone else. Just that I know best and believe I do know best. Take me to meet some of the people that live in these homes. I need to hear what they need, what they want. I don’t know that world and I want to know it.’

~~~~~

Moorhead Social Housing Estates opened successfully within the year as planned. There were still a few arguments, but they were much more quietly resolved. Jordan and Stanley listened to each other. Jordan still didn’t really understand the reasons for homelessness. Stanley still didn’t understand his uncles attitudes. Nevertheless, the business man and the social activitist were able to find a very workable and respectful common ground.

“We’re a team. It’s part of our job to help each other out, and to forgive each other quickly. Otherwise, we’d never get anything done.”

~ Jeremy Kraatz, Villains Rising

Author's note: edited January 31, 2024