Happy Friday, friends! We’ve had a good week, with a few firsts for Maya (first playground swing!) mixed in with sunshine and one squishy baby niece. Maya turned ten months old yesterday…and promptly decided to show us that she could climb all the stairs to the top without anyone noticing. My heart nearly jumped out of my body when I found her clapping away to herself at the top step. She’s a speedy little thing and stealthy when she knows what she wants, so it’s baby gates and hawk eyes on her at all times from here on out.
We have California and Rhode Island family visiting us in Maine this weekend, so we’re excited for Maya to meet everyone. She’s much more fun in person than on Instagram, although she has certainly taken over my Instagram!
On a more serious note, we’ve been talking quite a lot (with heads in our hands) about the upcoming presidential election. It’s the first time since Obama was elected in 2008 that we will be in the country for election day, and that we have been in the country for the run-up to it and it’s heartbreaking to watch on a daily basis. I don’t talk much about politics here, despite having worked in political campaigns for several years before moving to Ireland, but this year is so different – and so personal.
I watched this New York Times video yesterday, a compilation of hateful clips from supporters inside Trump rallies, and just cried. Because you know who they don’t want in this country? Maya. And Maya’s birth parents. And anyone different, and people with darker skin. I often wonder what Maya’s life would be like if her birth parents, homeless Mexican immigrants, hadn’t been treated as second class in this country, if they hadn’t been instantly marginalized. It may not have mattered, but it may have made all the difference.
Sometimes we wish we were back in Ireland already and that we didn’t have to be faced with a political candidate’s hatred (and the 43% of the country who supports that hatred) every day. But most days I believe it’s important that we’re here to fully understand and feel what’s at stake, especially for our daughter, but also for all the daughters and sons – and to work hard to make sure that hatred and nationalism and protectionism don’t win in November.
Small rant over for now, but it probably won’t be the last before November. Fair warning!
And now, a few happier links for your weekend. I hope it’s sunny and happy!
Rev. Barber speaking inspirationally at the DNC last week. There were so many great speeches, including Michelle Obama’s of course.
The weird world of medical debt – and John Oliver buying and forgiving medical debt for pennies on the dollar.
You just got out of prison, now what? Such an inspiring read about two former prisoners driving around, picking up released prisoners and helping them reintegrate. And a follow-up on how the White House employed them to help with prisoners whose sentences have been commuted by President Obama.
A sweet school bus turned tiny home.
European countries taking new measures to lessen food waste – or put it to better use.
Happy weekend, everyone. xx
1 Comment
Well said, Emily. I know it can be hard to bring up politics on a lifestyle blog, but when something is so pervasive and will have such an effect on our country’s — and our children’s – future, it’s impossible not to speak up when you have a conscience!!!
I am in the UK right now and just yesterday on the train witnessed a fellow saying something hateful (beginning with the f word) to a Brazilian immigrant – young mom with her child. It’s just not right that people feel emboldened not only to think these hateful things — but to SAY THEM OUT LOUD IN PUBLIC (without, apparently, fear of reprisal) just takes it to a whole different level.
That’s especially poignant for you all now – I didn’t know the story behind Maya’s birth parents. My goodness.
Thanks for raising this, and enjoy your time with your family and them getting to meet her!