We are in very different places in the country, in our parenting journey, our professional lives…but I feel like a kindred soul and your writing sometimes feels like it pulls me back from the brink when I have no idea how to go on here-as a mother, a wife, a citizen, a student, a friend, a professional. (sigh)…thank you for what feels like moments of compassion and sanity and a hug. And permission to take a breath and continue on. And fight the good fight.
Thank you. Yes to every word. I’m also raising a Black son, only a few years younger than your own, and the weight has been extra heavy the last 10 years.
Your words resonates to my core. This parenting stage, coupled with the demise of democracy, is relentless. It's like screaming into the wind while simultaneously attending a 5 yr old's tea party. Trying not to be blown over while loving on my children and shielding them from the wind. I'm so tired.
But our 8 year-old Taavi’s mouth resisted muffling as he made his protest sign and waved it during the protest and my eyes grew wet and my heart sang loud his sign: HANDS OFF our LIBRARIES!
I'm sharing this with our daughter! She & her hubs are parents of 4 children about the age of yours -living parallel with you here in Michigan! You two are amazing to me!
My second child was a newborn when Trump made his announcement on the golden escalator-- a clear memory of disbelief in so much parenting haze.. Thank you for naming some of this burden we share.
Man I feel this deeply and it’s validating. For me my entire parenting journey has been under his thumb. I know of no other parenting reality. But I hope for the day that maybe I will.
I frequently grieve for the amount of mental space this guy's political career takes up. What could I do with that brain power if I didn't have to constantly pay attention to all the ways he's harming the world for my children? Could I have a hobby that ISN'T writing to my senator about injustice and tariffs!? Could I dream and think thoughts that aren't related to politics at all? Could I be a more patient and kinder parent if my mind & body weren't constantly in fight or flight mode? It's grievous and a loss. Thank you for writing these words for this shared experience.
I think you put words to this in a unique and important way. That principle that every "yes" is a "no" to something else. What have we had to say no to in order to put time and energy and mental space into this?
Thank you for putting the need for mental space in the 2020s into words. This, perhaps, is my most significant, personal grievance of the past ten years (in which I have become a wife and mother).
We are in very different places in the country, in our parenting journey, our professional lives…but I feel like a kindred soul and your writing sometimes feels like it pulls me back from the brink when I have no idea how to go on here-as a mother, a wife, a citizen, a student, a friend, a professional. (sigh)…thank you for what feels like moments of compassion and sanity and a hug. And permission to take a breath and continue on. And fight the good fight.
Feeling solidarity from others has kept me going many times. I'm glad I could be that person for you today. ❤️
POP OFF QUEEN.
I know you get it. Hugs.
Thank you. Yes to every word. I’m also raising a Black son, only a few years younger than your own, and the weight has been extra heavy the last 10 years.
So, so heavy, April. 🥺
I SO wish my parents could understand this.
Ugh, I hate that, Erin. I'm so sorry.
I’m also trying to launch a high school senior. It’s like pushing baby birds out of the nest and into a tornado.
I can imagine. I'll be there before his term is up.
Your words resonates to my core. This parenting stage, coupled with the demise of democracy, is relentless. It's like screaming into the wind while simultaneously attending a 5 yr old's tea party. Trying not to be blown over while loving on my children and shielding them from the wind. I'm so tired.
YES. So well said.
YES. So well said.
Closing words:
But our 8 year-old Taavi’s mouth resisted muffling as he made his protest sign and waved it during the protest and my eyes grew wet and my heart sang loud his sign: HANDS OFF our LIBRARIES!
So glad you were able to take him ☺️
A.M.E.N. So very true, and I feel it deeply! So glad I’m not alone. ❤️
Never alone bb. You’ve given me that gift too.
🥺 love you
I'm sharing this with our daughter! She & her hubs are parents of 4 children about the age of yours -living parallel with you here in Michigan! You two are amazing to me!
Thank you for sharing it with her!
My second child was a newborn when Trump made his announcement on the golden escalator-- a clear memory of disbelief in so much parenting haze.. Thank you for naming some of this burden we share.
I hate all the clear memories 😖
Man I feel this deeply and it’s validating. For me my entire parenting journey has been under his thumb. I know of no other parenting reality. But I hope for the day that maybe I will.
Me too Bonni ❤️🩹
Girl. Preach. (And thank you voicing our shared insanity.)
❤️❤️❤️
I frequently grieve for the amount of mental space this guy's political career takes up. What could I do with that brain power if I didn't have to constantly pay attention to all the ways he's harming the world for my children? Could I have a hobby that ISN'T writing to my senator about injustice and tariffs!? Could I dream and think thoughts that aren't related to politics at all? Could I be a more patient and kinder parent if my mind & body weren't constantly in fight or flight mode? It's grievous and a loss. Thank you for writing these words for this shared experience.
I think you put words to this in a unique and important way. That principle that every "yes" is a "no" to something else. What have we had to say no to in order to put time and energy and mental space into this?
Thank you for putting the need for mental space in the 2020s into words. This, perhaps, is my most significant, personal grievance of the past ten years (in which I have become a wife and mother).
I feel seen.
We are tired. And this is hard.
Thank you for this! It resonates so much for me.
I both hate that and am grateful to hear that. You get it.