I guess not. Not while kids are still in cages. Indigenous neighbors still don’t have sovereignty rights. Systemic racism is still a thing and many people don’t get it or even try to. And a president gives a speech that divides rather than unites. I guess United States of America is a foreign notion to him.
So, no. No 4th of July “celebration”. When we can honestly claim to be “for all” as was stated, then, and only then can we celebrate.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Declaration of Independence. So no. We are not there yet.
Finding small beauty helps. This birdbath has brought so many birds to our yard. They nourish me.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” – Marianne Williamson
While feeling incredibly overwhelmed and powerless yesterday I happened upon this video. I can’t stop watching it. It is literally feeding my soul the power I thought I lost. As I was watching it for the umpteenth time I remembered the quote above that was read in a movie about a little girl who’s community helped her win a spelling bee.
When I was a young mom I had some pretty heavy shit that I was dealing with. Sadly, it of course spilled over into the lives of my children. As my daughter grew older she had her own shit that she was struggling with. To be expected. I can remember a conversation where she said she didn’t want to do it anymore. It being the work. She responded well to visualizations so I used the old, you’ve got to march through the swamp to get to the other side analogy. She heard me and continued her difficult work. I often looked back on those words and wondered if maybe we could have gone around the freaking swamp instead of through it. I bring this up because today, in our country, we are at the edge of the swamp. Well, no, we are actually in it. A huge, all consuming, evil swamp. For years we have tiptoed around the edges. I shamefully include myself in this. Now because we really have no other choice, we have decided to grab each others’ hands and march on through because maybe we do need to cross through the swamp together to get to the other side.
For weeks millions of us have felt like our heads and hearts were going to explode. The cause of such feelings coming from our government’s masterful creation of chaos, division, hate, and fear. Because this is exactly what authoritarian governments do at the beginning. They create chaos, division hatred, and fear. It is what brings a people to its knees and then provides the opportunity for us to scream, “Save us”. Then, as planned, in comes the daddy authoritarian oversight. They save the day, or so they say. Thankfully, we did not scream that. Instead we lifted our fists and voices and we rose up. Finally.
While laying in a MRI machine today it all came tumbling down. My daughter’s possible exposure to Covid, our constant fear of that scenario, another murder of a young Black man by police, my son half way across the world, Siberia hitting 100 degrees, masks, moving, selling, packing, masks…. I couldn’t do it. I literally couldn’t do it. I pressed the panic button and came out of the machine sobbing. Sigh. So I write. Trying like anything to get it all out. I use to run to get it out. That was years ago.
While millions around the country were celebrating Junteenth, this was hung on the electric wires in a small island town in Maine. It is yet another reminder that Maine is not exempt from the racism being uncovered and boldly proclaimed throughout our country.
When I first saw this photo I stopped what I was doing and found myself thinking about how frightening it would be to see this if I was Black. And then I realized that was exactly what it was intended to do, scare the crap out of our Black and Brown neighbors and those who have stood up to support them. Well, it has accomplished the exact opposite. It has united us in our stand together for justice and the erasure of racism from our state and country. It has caused many of us to contact our state reps and demand they speak out. It caused others to have vigils in solidarity with our neighbors. And it caused others to unite for justice. We will not be intimidated.
While many have risen up to voice intense objection to this exhibit of hatred some have responded with undeniable racist comments that take your breath away when you read or hear them. Our “president” has certainly unleashed hate that has been revealing itself since electing Obama as president. For many, a Black president was just too much. His intelligence, education, and eloquence didn’t matter to them. Only his skin color mattered.
We’ve seen the photos of the KKK marching down Main St in Milo, Portland, Rockland and other towns in Maine in the 1920’s. So this should not be surprising.
We’ve seen photos of the KKK burning a cross in Rumford in 1987.
We even saw KKK flyers passed around the state a few years ago. So while I was sad and angry to see the photo of a noose in a quaint island town, I wasn’t surprised.
I cannot share the reaction of our neighbors who this noose was targeted to, but I can share mine. After shock, outrage, and sadness came confusion. Confusion over how to respond to this in a way that is supportive, effective, and responsible. A friend of mine said it well when she wrote, “It is a symbol of hate. I think the best way to respond is with symbols and actions that promote justice.” Molly Resnik. Thank you Molly; I couldn’t agree with you more. And that is what we must do. We cannot be silent in light of this act of hate designed to provoke terror. We’ve been silent for 400+ years and look where that has gotten us; to the photo above and of course to much, much worse.
Our country was built on racism. From the moment the first white European man stepped onto the shores of this continent racism was unleashed in all it’s ugly, harmful ways. Beginning with the taking of Indigenous peoples as slaves, to stealing their land and outright killing them. It continued under the guise of crafting a Constitution that claimed to grant rights “to all” but in reality those rights were only granted to the wealthy, white, landowning men. In all its savagery, it continued with the kidnapping and transporting of millions of people from Africa as slaves with the only goal of building the economy that became one of the “greatest” in the world. And it continues today in the forms of a for profit prison system and unjust drug laws that enslaves so many people of color all over again as well as many economic and educational injustices. So why it continues to surprise me really speaks to my ignorance and white privilege. A “privilege” if that’s what we want to call it, that ensured that I never learned the truths and evils committed in the name of our country. Never. Columbus, Jefferson, and Lincoln were just three examples of “heroes of amazing character and intelligence” that we learned about though the lens of upholding white supremacy. We were only taught the stories that kept the racist narrative alive and well. As they say, “You have to be carefully taught.” And we were carefully taught. And I believed it all, right into my old age. To keep white supremacy reigning in our country the distortion of these truths were carefully crafted and taught. Well, the internet is a lovely thing, and racist lies are no longer what we have to believe. We can “google” the truth.
Last week at a BLM rally a woman tried to intimidate my friend and I by driving her car up close to us while yelling profanities at us. She kept coming closer and closer, yelling louder and louder, until a police officer intervened. I wondered later what would have happened if she had been just a little angrier and drove a little faster. What if the police officer didn’t support the march and protect us? We’ve seen lots of evidence of this in other police departments all over the country. After the march, people proudly proclaimed how peaceful it was. Peaceful = success. Yes, of course we are glad it was peaceful. But I found myself thinking about that notion too. We still don’t want to be uncomfortable. We still want things to go smoothly, easily, calmly. But after 400 years+ of harm and violence maybe that’s not what we should use to gauge success. I am not advocating for violence in any way shape or form. But can anger arise and ever be ok? Can we feel uncomfortable and be ok? The answer needs to be yes. And not only can we, we should. Uncomfortable leads to growth and growth leads to changes. Deep systemic changes that are desperately needed and long overdue if we are going to continue to proclaim justice “for all”.
So back to that freaking, disgusting noose. We must not be silent. White people, this is a pleading call to speak up. Our voices, so long overdue, are needed and the time is ripe for helping create a large and lasting impact. BUT…. and this is a big BUT… we are not to out speak the Black and Brown community. We must listen to them, hear them, share their needs and their long overdue demands. This is not about us. Do not make it about us. We are not needed to be “saviors”. But we are needed.
Please call and/or write your state reps and your national reps. Call/write your governor, mayor, PD dept, city/town manager, school superintendent. Ask them what they are doing/saying to support this moment. Demand they speak out and work on changes that dismantle systemic racism in our legal, financial, and educational systems. March, hold vigils, create art, blog, speak on radio shows or podcasts, write letters to the editor, go to city council meetings and school board meetings (demand they be available via Zoom so those who can’t attend in person can still attend). But do not be silent.
We stand together, united in love, light, and solidarity demanding that we come through this more enlightened and kind, and with real justice “for all”.
The above website – The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture today launched Talking About Race, a new online portal designed to help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture.
There’s a lot going on lately. And while most of us are struggling through it, I can’t imagine the added anxieties and fears of being Black, Brown, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or financially vulnerable. The fact is that my struggles are nothing compared to so many others. Yet, they are real and at times overwhelming. So what do we do with such feelings?
Like many others, I’ve had some challenging conversations with friends and family. They usually end with everyone feeling pretty crappy. Yes they are needed. But everytime I wonder, “Could I have done something differently to have made it go more smoothly, more open, less threatening?” I know I could. Important stances seem so crystal clear to me but so contrary to some I speak with. There has got to be a way to meet somewhere that allows us to hear each other.
Speaking of hearing, my ears ring all the time. So when I woke up and they weren’t ringing, I was so happy. Whenever that happens, which is seldom, it is such a relief. I enjoyed the morning texting my son who is in a new place and one he likes (good feelings). I had my favorite bread for breakfast (good feelings). I knit (good feelings). We were getting a few things fixed in our home for the new owners even though we didn’t have to (good/proud feelings). Then I went online and noticed someone I care about left social media because of things being said. “Was it something I said?” (sad feelings). We got a letter from the bank that we needed more information and money to close on our home (scary feelings). I began to worry about my daughter who is back at work in very close proximity with the general public in a Covid 19 hotspot (petrified feelings). And then I noticed my ears were ringing to beat the band. Stress really does affect our health. As I started the self pity party I remembered an article I recently read on Black mama’s and the generational grief and fear they carry. They carry more societal and family weight on their shoulders than anything I can imagine (intense grief).
So I write. I write because I have no clue what the solutions are. I write because I feel like my head is going to explode. I write because I really don’t want to cry.
There is a phrase going around that has many people on edge, “All Lives Matter”. Sounds harmless enough. Even sounds obvious and logical. Until you realize it is said to counter, “Black Lives Matter”. Then you realize the racist implications of it. This is the phrase causing such difficult conversations online. When you think about it, it is a master gaslight phrase because it’s righteous sounding and insinuates that if you have an issue with it something is wrong with you. But it is not righteous. It is used by overt racists. I assume it is also used by people who are struggling to see the loaded and racist meaning behind it and so they “innocently” jump on the bandwagon and use it thinking they are being righteous? Maybe I’m giving them too much credit. I think I am.
So what do we do? Seriously, what do we do? I think of the phrase (Churchill?) that says something along the lines of, Bravery isn’t the absence of fear; but rather it is doing what is right even when afraid. So holding onto that guiding principal I guess we carry on. We continue to confront racism whenever we encounter it even if it’s by someone we care about. I just wish I knew a better way to do it.
In peace, love, and courage to continue to do what is right; carry on,
As I reflect on my first few days with new hearing aids, I find myself thinking about that line from an old song. It slowly becomes clear how much I was missing. It would be impossible to not connect that physical sense of hearing with the struggle we are having to listen to each other during this incredibly divisive time.
I had a talk with my older brother this morning. We don’t really agree on politics the way we use to. But we talk to each other about our thoughts anyway. And while I know when we hang up we still may not agree, I think we do understand each others thoughts and feelings a little better. Another thing that stands out is that underneath the charged vocabulary we may use, we agree on a lot more than we disagree on. So I found myself wondering why we are able to talk about these difficult and divisive issues when so many are not able to do so. It is clear that these talks are critically important.
The entire world is rightfully protesting the horrifying murder of George Floyd. Even during a global pandemic, people are willing to offer up their lives to have their voices heard in support of the critical message, Black Lives Matter. “Why this message?” is something I hear from white folks. “Don’t All Lives Matter?” many ask. Well, it appears that no, all lives don’t matter. You would have to be blind to not see that Black and Brown lives have not mattered for a very long time. So, in reality, we cannot say, “All lives matter” until Black, Brown, and Indigenous Lives Matter. I ask white folks to please not take away from the important message, Black Lives Matter. Listen to why it’s important. Listen to people who fear for their lives every single day. Listen to the mamas who fear each time their children leave home for school, play, or work. Listen to those who do not have equal opportunities in a country that claims to be founded on equal opportunities.
When my children were young I never had the “when you get stopped by police” talk that we hear many Black and Brown folks have with their children. I understand completely what a sense of privilege that statement comes from. Both my children were stopped by police when they were in their teens. Neither feared for the lives. They may have feared getting a ticket but they didn’t fear for their life because of the color of their skin. That was the only thing that safeguarded them. I’ve spoken with Black and Brown mothers who share their experiences of fear when their children, particularly their sons, get their drivers license. No one should have such fear. Not in a country that was supposedly built on “Liberty and freedom for all”. We realize that’s not true, right? We realize that liberty and freedom went to wealthy, white, male, landowners. It certainly didn’t include women and it certainly didn’t include people who’s skin was dark. And it continues today.
It isn’t a news flash to say that we have an orange menace in the White House who is doing everything in his power to undermine our democracy and that he is succeeding at alarming rates due to the blind support of the GOP. My son and I talk about this a lot. He shares his knowledge of history and geopolitics with me and explains how authoritarians rise to power. It is chilling because we are here. We clearly have an authoritarian wanna be at the helm. Will he succeed? I don’t know. I’m fearful he will and hopeful he won’t. But one thing is for sure and that is if we want to get him and the swamp slime he surrounds himself with out of power, we need to hear and listen to each other, even if it’s difficult and grates against all we believe in. But….. with that said, here’s the cognitive dissonance and question I struggle with (my son doesn’t struggle with it at all), do we give voice to fascists? Do we listen to them? With the symbolism that my new hearing aids give to this moment I cannot ignore the fact that when background noise gets too loud and uncomfortable I find myself turning them off. Is this what we do with racists and fascists as well? By listening to them are we empowering them? Or are we possibly uncovering issues that led them to such destructive thinking?
It’s important to share that I stand in support that Black Lives Matter. That is the message I want to hear and understand completely. This is the message I will focus on and listen to. I; we; must listen and understand even if it causes some discomfort. It’s not easy work realizing that racism has been a part of your entire life and that you have benefited from the systemic racism of our society. But we must get over that hurdle and see it and hear it and add our voices to the dismantling of it.
May we listen while we stand and may we use a supportive voice in solidarity,
This week. Holy God, this week. This week is the week we have been waiting for. With baited breath we have been waiting for decades, centuries. In relation to this administration, it’s the week we knew was coming. It appears it may even be the week we needed to come.
As the nation and the world focus on the last three years we must look back to early 2017 when Steve Bannon,then Chief Strategist to trump, told the country that the number one goal of this administration was to “deconstruct the administrative state.” He said that. We weren’t listening. Those who were, felt the weight of those words and all they implied. This week. That’s what they implied. But to get us to this week the constant “deconstructing” of our government and all its checks and balances has been going on since Jan. 2017, the day this administration took office. And honestly some would argue it’s been happening since 9/11. Others would argue it’s been happening since Reagan. I would argue that it’s been happening since the first day white people landed on the shores of this continent.
So with a mixture of awe, fear, sadness, and hope, we plead that the hard work of the thousands of protesters continue until “for all” is true and real. Because we know it’s not. It never has been. Until we can all walk, work, live, and love free of fear and persecution while everyone is housed, fed, and with medical care as needed, we are not free. And we certainly are not “civilized”.
Thank you protesters for pushing this forward with all the power and tenacity that you have over the past week and a half. Each and every one of you; thank you. While many say this week was needed, it is past time for us white folks to do the work. Black and Brown lives have given too much already. For hundreds of years, they have been asked to do and give too much.
How many years ago was this stated by Ben? And we are still doing this shit to other humans.
“To other humans”….that is the defining clause. Many, many people world wide do not see all humans as human. That is what allows them to treat others as anything but.
When we look at history we see over and over again how a group who wants to be in power chooses to frame those they want power over as less than human. That’s what allows them to do the atrocities that will be “needed” to obtain such power.
Good God. Have we not evolved beyond this yet?
When I was in high school I was quite the jock. I was a 3 season sports kid. Living in NJ, I played with Brown, Black and white kids. We all got along together. Or at least in my clueless nature it appeared to me that we all got along together. As an older white woman I realize that I didn’t see their stories. I saw them as team mates or if they were on another team, then as rivals. But I didn’t think about it. To be honest I didn’t really recognize color until I had lived in Maine for quite some time. As you may or may not imagine, Maine is pretty white. A few years back, refugees from several African countries began to arrive to Maine as they fled horrific genocides and wars. I admit, I was happy to see them choose here for their new home. I was proud to see they thought Maine was a safe place to call home. I was also glad to see the much needed diversity, which I realized our state was missing. I don’t know if that is the wrong thing to say, but it’s how I felt. I knew some of the stories and the horrible violence they experienced and fled, so I was shocked, beyond shocked to hear some really racist comments coming from neighbors.
Fast forward to the past few years, since Obama’s presidency. The escalating and overt communication of racist thinking and behavior has once again left me shocked. What the heck white people?! What are white people so afraid of?
A while back I became a subscriber to the blog, Black Girl in Maine. It is written by a woman named Shay, who as you can guess, lives in Maine, while being Black. Let’s just say that her and her family’s experience is a tad different than mine. Well, not a tad, a ton. She has shared many stories of racism that she and her family have experienced by the “good people of Maine”. She shared of a time when she was called the n word while she was crossing the street. It was by a by a white guy driving a car. What the heck white guy? Just shut up. Seriously, what type of person does that? An entitled, racist person does that. That’s who. Another story was about her adult son who was harassed and arrested for shop lifting, which he wasn’t doing. He’s in a graduate program and was home visiting his mom. His “sin”? Shopping while Black.
I think back to basketball and track in high school. I think of everyone working together as teammates. And now I wonder if our coach was a master of management or did we really not noice or care? I bet if we were to talk to the Black women who we played with, they would have very different memories. Sigh.
So today, Black people still get killed by white neighbors and by white cops. And Black men and women go to jail at ridiculous numbers compared to white people. People from Latin countries south of our border are treated like animals, abused and deported to the violence they fled. Heck, we are even deporting known Covid 19 patients to Latin countries. Small Pox blankets sound familiar? And there we have it. This country was founded on racism. It was white Europeans who “found” a land and took it from those who lived there. How could they do such a thing you ask? By thinking of them as not human. Remember the terms, savages? That’s how they did it. They wanted it and so they took it and in order to do that they committed one of the largest genocides in history. It continues today.
So, if we are sitting here in our privilege, writing this or reading this we have to stop and realize that. That we have the choice to help or not. Black and Brown people, LGTBQ people, Latino people…they don’t have the choice. Yea, we have a pandemic. But we must speak out. Now. Loudly. Clearly. And then repeat.
So before going back to what you were doing, call 1-612-673-2100 and demand the immediate prosecution of the officers who murdered George Floyd. Again, they freaking did it again. Never Again is Now. Never Again. Not on our watch.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Mary
PS – A friend shared this with me. It’s about ramping up actions of being an ally to one of being a co-conspirator and is definitely worth a watch.
I wish I could tell you how to channel the yoga, mindfulness, new age stuff that we know works. Yes, of course, go for it if you can. I have found that in “normal” times they have worked wonders for me and even the students I taught. They helped keep anxiety at bay.
But heck, if I’m being honest, they don’t work for me lately. Not even close. So today when a woman got right up in my space with no mask on and had a look in her eyes that said, “Go ahead, challenge me bitch,” well I came home and poured a dark stout. It worked. Granted, I don’t want to rely on this or do it too often. But heck, these are not normal times!
That look in her eyes haunted me all day. I was just picking a plant off a nursery table. And she was all spit and vinegar because… what…I had a mask on and she didn’t. What the heck is going on here?
The license plates in the parking lot were from MA, NJ, NY, PA and ME. So yeah, I was nervous.
Do you remember when you were a kid and you were (hopefully) taught how to behave in someone else’s home? I can still hear my mother’s voice, “Mind your manners and for god’s sake don’t pick your nose.” I guess kids have problems with that. Anyway, I found myself thinking of that today when that woman challenged me. Granted, I hope I’m not arrogant enough to think this is my land. Ha! That would be a joke being that white folks from hundreds of years ago stole this land and for some unfair reason I am able to enjoy it as…..”mine”? I find myself thinking, “How do those who’s land we live on even stand us?” Seriously.
So today was a rough day. I found myself thinking of the many, many people who are struggling world wide with this damn pandemic and struggling with those too entitled to think it will affect them.
Just be nice to each other. Stop thinking this is about you. It’s not.
Spending time virtually with Desiree in her studio gave me a sense of peace that I’ve been missing lately. For obvious reasons. To witness this lovely woman, her studio tour, and to hear her enlightening works just click on her name which is in blue. The link is embedded.
Let’s aim to be the light others look to. This is our community goal. Rather than allow ourselves to be manipulated into the division that is being promoted, may we seek kindness in ourselves and each other. Let’s ask ourselves, “Does this message promote kindness, empathy, light?
Wear your masks folks. Stand 6′ away from anyone not in your household, especially when in public spaces. When you see fear, respond with empathy.
Today, like most days lately, my head felt like it was going to explode and take my heart, soul, and nerves with it. We, any of us who are paying attention and struggling with all that is happening, are summoning up immense effort to just keep ourselves together.
I had several phone conversations today. One was all about Covid 19 and the fears surrounding this global pandemic that the USA does not in the least bit have under control. One was about the “USA doesn’t have it under control part” and why that is and how much that freaks us out. While many of us have lost loved ones to this horrific virus, some say that it’s nothing to worry about and that we should just continue life pretending all is fine and well. But most of us are just trying to make it through the day and onto the next as we try to keep ourselves and our families safe and protect those around us if we do go out for necessities. We do this even though there are those who go out for the fun of it, mocking those in masks who travel outside their homes in fear, and proudly boast of their arrogance.
All day, everyday, I have to consciously work at not letting this overwhelm me. I am assuming I am not alone in this. Fear that someone I love might get sick, not recover, and have to do it alone is incredibly difficult to fight off. That is really all any of us should need to be worrying about at this time. But it’s not. It is just the tip of the iceberg. Many have the added fear of going to work. Dealing with employers who do not have their best interests in mind and do not provide the protection they need and deserve. Many deal with the public who are becoming more and more confrontational and down right scary. Not wearing masks and daring someone to tell them to. We can thank the man at the top for this. And this is where my deepest fears lie.
I know our problem is a systemic one and at times it’s difficult to tell the difference between the two parties that control our country. The fact that health care for everyone hasn’t been adopted through this says it all. But…. trump is in a league all his own. As we teeter on the edge of 100,000 deaths with no end in sight, he just keeps doing everything to keep it going. To keep us under his thumb. He, I believe, is preparing for November. And that is the biggest fear; that he isn’t going anywhere. He and his inhumane minions are all in place to carry out this plan of authoritarian dictatorship. The evidence is everywhere for us to see with the most glaring example being how readily his followers took up arms and have marched in almost every state to defend his message of opening up the country when we are not ready. So how are we suppose to follow medical advice to improve our immune system as a way to fight this virus when we are witnessing such a evilness take hold?
Have you been to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC? I remember the first time I saw it. I was with my daughter. She was just a kid. We were in DC and doing tourist things. Visiting memorials, museums, walking around the city. We came by the Lincoln Memorial and meant to go left to see the Jefferson Memorial but accidentally took a right instead. And there in front of us was the immense black stone war memorial. The length and the magnitude took me by surprise. It went on as far as I could see. The sheer numbers of lives represented in this monument brought me to tears as soon as I saw it. That memorial represents 68,000 lost lives. Sons, fathers, brothers. Some women too but mostly men. Now I envision the number 100,000 lost lives, lost loved ones, on that monument and how much farther it would stretch. And yet, never once has this man who somehow stole our presidency, ever uttered a word of condolence, of sorrow, of a plan to help those who are struggling or those who have lost someone they loved.
So like Calvin here, my head is exploding and I’m working overtime to just keep myself together. And I’m a lucky one. I’m safe in a home with food and medicine and a place to dig in the dirt. Many are not. Yet….
It’s funny. Many of us wonder why we are unable to read or do typical daily chores. Well I think we can be certain that living through a global pandemic, while watching democracy die, and being on the brink of a great depression might just have something to do with it. Of course we are living in a fog. Of course we struggle to remember to breathe or to do the things we love. Maybe that’s why so many have turned to gardening. They (whoever they are) say playing in soil is good for you. That the microbes in soil help combat depression. Maybe what we need right now is right outside our door. Whether we have soil in the ground or in pots we need to fill, we need to find some soil and plant something in it. Watch it grow. Enjoy the flowers it produces or cherish the nourishment from the food it makes. There is also something the Japanese call forest bathing. Walking among trees to get the same soothing benefits many get from putting our hands in soil. That sounds like a lovely idea too.
So how do we go on when hope continues to get harder and harder to hold onto? We don’t let them win. That’s how. If we give in and give up they win. We will continue to take care of ourselves and our families and friends. We reach out as often as we need to. We admit we need help and accept it. We give help, if we somehow miraculously wake up with the ability and strength to give it. We realize this is not new. That our ancestors lived through this and worse. Remember them. Channel their wisdom and strength. And keep reminding ourselves that what we do is ok. We are living through a historic pandemic and attempted take over of our government. We must hold onto the thought that one day we will tell our descendants how we made it through this and how we won.
Messages From the Heart 