Travel Plans

I went to Poland once, when I was 15. It was one stop in my last European vacation with my parents. We visited relatives, my mother’s childhood home, and my grandfather’s grave. It was a powerful emotional experience for my parents, and while I know the trip was meaningful to me at the time, my clearest memories are of listening to R.E.M.’s Out of Time on my Walkman and missing my boyfriend.

Drinking espresso in my jean jacket. 

Letter to my kids, November 9, 2016

Dear Evie & Felix,

It’s 4:30 a.m. and I am trying to figure out how to tell you that the America you’re waking up in has elected Donald Trump as its next president.

You watched the first debate and, even at ages 6 and 9, you saw Hillary Clinton as the more polished, prepared, and knowledgeable candidate. She won, definitely, you said. He’s a bully. She is the smart one who talks about helping people.

Your dad and I have talked to you about how voting for a president isn’t the same as cheering for a sports team. It’s a decision that starts with your soul and reflects your beliefs about the world you live in and the people you share it with.

I’m going to remind you what our family believes.