I too hope we have restoration. My heart is absolutely 💯 broken that THIS seems to be what this country wants? My family's roots are very French Canadian 💕
Andrea, the division is heartbreaking. I remember wondering why the matter of separation was so important. Weren’t French Canadians citizens of Canada? Now I realize what it feels like to be occupied, and the need to resist. So many in our country deny that this is happening. A tragedy.
That "if the ice people take him" was certainly a shock. I'm Canadian, watching from the north and feeling stress as the assaults come flying our way as well. At 79, I'm pretty sure my promise to never enter the US again won't be too hard to keep, which is a shame. I don't think I'll be around for restoration, but I hope it comes. Find your path.
Francis, I don’t think we pay enough attention to the impact of these events on children. They see their classmates, teachers, and families living in fear. They see the violence, the terror, the disappearance of people who may or may not look like them. And have no idea what’s normal. I’m sorry that these events keep people from traveling to the U.S., but not surprised. I can only hope that restoration comes soon. That is the work that’s ahead.
Thank you for reading and commenting. May our countries always be friends.
Katharine, I wonder if we ever fully understand the effects these events have on children. They need to feel safe. If adults can’t protect them, the world is a vastly frightening place.
Yes, I am definitely going to be participating in Robert McFarlane’s session. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
You’re welcome! I came across your writing when you were just starting after your husband’s passing. I was taken by the depth of your sorrow and how clearly you were able to communicate it.
I was disappointed when you started chronicling the events in Minneapolis but only from the perspective of people in this country illegally. You have to be aware that the reason for the chaos is that there is a well organized, well funded group that harasses ICE as they attempt to perform their constitutionally required duties. This never occurred during the Obama administration, which deported many more immigrants than the current administration, so there was no photo ops of ICE battling citizens.
I originally alluded to the victims of crime, committed by people here illegally, because I find it so frustrating that intelligent and thoughtful people such as yourself never seem to concern themselves with the suffering of these people.
Djcip,that’s because A: it was done humanely B: there is such a thing as due process and C:it’s not that we don’t have sympathy for the victims of crime but the percentage of violent crimes done by illegals is much lower than that of the citizenship. ICE is a cruel and vicious organization. Nancy S.
Judging from your word salad, poor spelling and grammar you are exactly the type of person that is poorly informed and an ICE supporter. Nothing further to say.
As I stated in my essay, this is not about politics. I write from personal experience. You are welcome to express your views, as long as you do so respectfully, and as long as they are relevant to the conversation. I felt deep grief when my husband died, and I appreciate the kindness of your response to my earlier posts. If you are disappointed with my recent posts, please be aware that you are not required to read them.
That being said, I want to make it clear that I do not share your views. I find them reprehensible. But you know that already. I am leaving your comment up because I am aware that taking it down would validate your beliefs and add fuel to the fire of your grievance. You are more than welcome to take it down yourself.
Mary, your words are always a gift. Thank you. I have been following the events in Minnesota from Fulton County, GA, (where we have our own battles to fight against this regime). I feel so heartsick and powerless at what I see and hear!
Last week I gathered with a beautiful multigenerational group to learn the songs of the singing resistance from Minneapolis. It was powerful to sing together, and it is empowering to see how, as ICE sweeps across the country, communities rise up to protect one another, and each community learns from the others. Together we are strong.
I think it was Heather Cox Richardson who was talking about the generational effect of the political climate: how big societal changes can be traced back to the circumstances that effected the childhoods of the vast majority of children in a generation. It's not quite the same point as yours, but I think it's allied. And hopeful, actually.
Beth. Fulton County. I get chills whenever I see your home in the news. It’s never good. My thoughts are with you.
How wonderful that you were able to gather together with friends and sing. Music is a powerful way to connect. I’m going to an event on Saturday, where we’ll be sharing music, poetry, essays, and any other art that moves the spirit.
I do believe that communities learn from each other about what is possible to overcome, and what it takes to succeed. Minnesota is unique in many ways. But the organic networks of support we have were established or strengthened after the murder of George Floyd. It was a shock to see something so terrible happen in “nice” country. There was a backdrop of trauma as people sought comfort and reassurance from each other, along with some genuine soul-searching. We had to create a place where this could not happen again. I believe that this is possible everywhere.
I worship HCR. I’ll have to check out her comments. Any excuse to do so is a good one.😊Sending love and solidarity. Minnesota and Georgia strong.
No, you're not being Grandiose thinking that your words bearing witness to ICE's outrages. That's one of the most important things writers can do. Bear witess. That's why we have so many historical documents about Hitler's atrocities. So many diaries, letters, news reports, memoirs. They are the life blood of our civilizations, telling the trust on a human level about tyranny. Thank you for this beautiful essay, Mary. We all do what we can.
Oh, thank you, Sue. I’m so glad that this touched you. It is hard sometimes to feel left out of the action, sidelined by my perception that because I’m not out there in subzero weather, getting teargassed, I’m not fully participating. I know that’s a ridiculous thought. You’re right. This is a shocking set of events. Every contribution is important. I do what I can, and it helps that it’s what I love.
There's also a matter of legacy. While the demonstrations are courageous and have made a huge difference in shifting the spirit of the people, your ... our writings will last much longer and reach more people after the emotional impact of the protests have faded. And it will fade quickly, sad to say. That's why recording private as well as public events, as you have done in this essay, are so critical to the historical record. The pen is mightier than the sword and longer lasting in influence.
Thank you, Sue. Your words are encouraging. Those pictures are powerful, but you can’t feel the subzero temperatures or sense the energy of the crowd. And you’re right: the images fade, overtaken by the next set of pictures of whatever comes along the next day. So frustrating.
That's history for you. If you ever saw the movie, Gangs of New York, the final scene was controversial at the time because it came out shortly after 911 and the shot included the World Trade Center towers. The narrator said that the graves of the people who participated in the riots in New York would eventually be lost and the entire event and its issues would fade from memory. Indeed it has. That movie brought it back into the light. And I remember thinking that those towers and the events of 911 would also fade from memory. Twenty-five years later, how many of us, especially the children born afterward, even think about those towers anymore?
I also saw Gangs of New York. Thank you for reminding me of the controversy. When I watch the movie again - and I will, it’s a masterpiece - I’ll keep in mind the integrity of those involved in its production, who defended their decision.
Prajna, thank you. It is a blessing to live in this beautiful place, where people have come together to take care of each other.
I do know the story of Stone Soup. One of my neighbors puts up a “Stone Soup Stage” every year, for local performers and others who want to participate. Everyone has a gift, and together we make a great mix of flavors.
I won't belabor the point with too many of my own words. Suffice it to say, you nailed it here in so many ways, like a nail gun reigning memoriam posters rapid fire on every city wall. Keep writing, for us all.
It takes a lot of courage to write with such vulnerability. Just know that many of us need a voice to express what is real. In a country that is now speaking lies, and believe cruelty is civil. You bring the truth in a way we can feel it with our senses. Having lived in the Midwest all of my life, the backyard fire pit brought it home for me. Our grief is shared when we gather. Love and blessings❤️
Lynn, thank you. I think that people who see the images of what’s happening in my state don’t get the full picture. We are all affected by these events. There’s no 24 hour news cycle here. It’s just a matter of living from one day to the next, doing what we can to make a difference. There is strength in community, as those of us in flyover land understand. Blessings to you as well.💛🙏
I wish that was what they were doing.
Old Guy, I am certain that you are aware that I find your comments vile. I consider them hate speech. That is why I am deleting them. Full stop.
Censorship. What a wonderful thing. When you cannot argue a point, just delete what you can't argue. O'Biden would agree with you.
Have a wonderful time deleting opinions that you disagree with!
Meanwhile, I'm going to ponder all the things more vile than censorship. That should take me a minute or two.
We will, Rebecca.🙏
I’m so sorry for all you have lost, but also so appreciative of what you have found. Your words, your strong Minnesotan voice, are appreciated.
Leslie, thank you. It will be a challenge, but we will get through this together.
I too hope we have restoration. My heart is absolutely 💯 broken that THIS seems to be what this country wants? My family's roots are very French Canadian 💕
Andrea, the division is heartbreaking. I remember wondering why the matter of separation was so important. Weren’t French Canadians citizens of Canada? Now I realize what it feels like to be occupied, and the need to resist. So many in our country deny that this is happening. A tragedy.
Thank you for your words that form feelings that always move me.
Kim, I’m glad that this touched you. Thank you for your kind words.🙏
That "if the ice people take him" was certainly a shock. I'm Canadian, watching from the north and feeling stress as the assaults come flying our way as well. At 79, I'm pretty sure my promise to never enter the US again won't be too hard to keep, which is a shame. I don't think I'll be around for restoration, but I hope it comes. Find your path.
Francis, I don’t think we pay enough attention to the impact of these events on children. They see their classmates, teachers, and families living in fear. They see the violence, the terror, the disappearance of people who may or may not look like them. And have no idea what’s normal. I’m sorry that these events keep people from traveling to the U.S., but not surprised. I can only hope that restoration comes soon. That is the work that’s ahead.
Thank you for reading and commenting. May our countries always be friends.
Mary, the child! My word, as if the children haven't had enough to live through during Covid. Thank you, always, for your work!
Are you going to the Robert Macfarlane session? I am eager to sit at his feet.
🫶🏼
Katharine, I wonder if we ever fully understand the effects these events have on children. They need to feel safe. If adults can’t protect them, the world is a vastly frightening place.
Yes, I am definitely going to be participating in Robert McFarlane’s session. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
Too bad that you can’t find any empathy for the victims of the people that ICE is trying to remove.
Thank you for commenting, Djcip.
You’re welcome! I came across your writing when you were just starting after your husband’s passing. I was taken by the depth of your sorrow and how clearly you were able to communicate it.
I was disappointed when you started chronicling the events in Minneapolis but only from the perspective of people in this country illegally. You have to be aware that the reason for the chaos is that there is a well organized, well funded group that harasses ICE as they attempt to perform their constitutionally required duties. This never occurred during the Obama administration, which deported many more immigrants than the current administration, so there was no photo ops of ICE battling citizens.
I originally alluded to the victims of crime, committed by people here illegally, because I find it so frustrating that intelligent and thoughtful people such as yourself never seem to concern themselves with the suffering of these people.
Thanks for listening!
Djcip,that’s because A: it was done humanely B: there is such a thing as due process and C:it’s not that we don’t have sympathy for the victims of crime but the percentage of violent crimes done by illegals is much lower than that of the citizenship. ICE is a cruel and vicious organization. Nancy S.
Judging from your word salad, poor spelling and grammar you are exactly the type of person that is poorly informed and an ICE supporter. Nothing further to say.
Nancy, thank you. I reported the comment and deleted it. This is a no-troll zone.
Djcip,
As I stated in my essay, this is not about politics. I write from personal experience. You are welcome to express your views, as long as you do so respectfully, and as long as they are relevant to the conversation. I felt deep grief when my husband died, and I appreciate the kindness of your response to my earlier posts. If you are disappointed with my recent posts, please be aware that you are not required to read them.
That being said, I want to make it clear that I do not share your views. I find them reprehensible. But you know that already. I am leaving your comment up because I am aware that taking it down would validate your beliefs and add fuel to the fire of your grievance. You are more than welcome to take it down yourself.
Mary, your words are always a gift. Thank you. I have been following the events in Minnesota from Fulton County, GA, (where we have our own battles to fight against this regime). I feel so heartsick and powerless at what I see and hear!
Last week I gathered with a beautiful multigenerational group to learn the songs of the singing resistance from Minneapolis. It was powerful to sing together, and it is empowering to see how, as ICE sweeps across the country, communities rise up to protect one another, and each community learns from the others. Together we are strong.
I think it was Heather Cox Richardson who was talking about the generational effect of the political climate: how big societal changes can be traced back to the circumstances that effected the childhoods of the vast majority of children in a generation. It's not quite the same point as yours, but I think it's allied. And hopeful, actually.
Beth. Fulton County. I get chills whenever I see your home in the news. It’s never good. My thoughts are with you.
How wonderful that you were able to gather together with friends and sing. Music is a powerful way to connect. I’m going to an event on Saturday, where we’ll be sharing music, poetry, essays, and any other art that moves the spirit.
I do believe that communities learn from each other about what is possible to overcome, and what it takes to succeed. Minnesota is unique in many ways. But the organic networks of support we have were established or strengthened after the murder of George Floyd. It was a shock to see something so terrible happen in “nice” country. There was a backdrop of trauma as people sought comfort and reassurance from each other, along with some genuine soul-searching. We had to create a place where this could not happen again. I believe that this is possible everywhere.
I worship HCR. I’ll have to check out her comments. Any excuse to do so is a good one.😊Sending love and solidarity. Minnesota and Georgia strong.
Djcip, it's too bad you can't separate the two.
I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to be judge as the same as the murderers who are citizens.
No, you're not being Grandiose thinking that your words bearing witness to ICE's outrages. That's one of the most important things writers can do. Bear witess. That's why we have so many historical documents about Hitler's atrocities. So many diaries, letters, news reports, memoirs. They are the life blood of our civilizations, telling the trust on a human level about tyranny. Thank you for this beautiful essay, Mary. We all do what we can.
Oh, thank you, Sue. I’m so glad that this touched you. It is hard sometimes to feel left out of the action, sidelined by my perception that because I’m not out there in subzero weather, getting teargassed, I’m not fully participating. I know that’s a ridiculous thought. You’re right. This is a shocking set of events. Every contribution is important. I do what I can, and it helps that it’s what I love.
There's also a matter of legacy. While the demonstrations are courageous and have made a huge difference in shifting the spirit of the people, your ... our writings will last much longer and reach more people after the emotional impact of the protests have faded. And it will fade quickly, sad to say. That's why recording private as well as public events, as you have done in this essay, are so critical to the historical record. The pen is mightier than the sword and longer lasting in influence.
Thank you, Sue. Your words are encouraging. Those pictures are powerful, but you can’t feel the subzero temperatures or sense the energy of the crowd. And you’re right: the images fade, overtaken by the next set of pictures of whatever comes along the next day. So frustrating.
That's history for you. If you ever saw the movie, Gangs of New York, the final scene was controversial at the time because it came out shortly after 911 and the shot included the World Trade Center towers. The narrator said that the graves of the people who participated in the riots in New York would eventually be lost and the entire event and its issues would fade from memory. Indeed it has. That movie brought it back into the light. And I remember thinking that those towers and the events of 911 would also fade from memory. Twenty-five years later, how many of us, especially the children born afterward, even think about those towers anymore?
I also saw Gangs of New York. Thank you for reminding me of the controversy. When I watch the movie again - and I will, it’s a masterpiece - I’ll keep in mind the integrity of those involved in its production, who defended their decision.
Mary, thank you. This is so beautifully written capturing the grief, fear, hope... yet I wish we didn't need it. 😢
Thank you, Andrea. I feel the same way. These events are tragic and so terribly unnecessary. I’m glad that this essay touched you.
Dearest Mary
I am always heartbroken and heart warmed by your stories. What a beautiful community.
Do you know the story of Stone soup?
I hope to tell it someday this reminds me of that.
Rest well. I’m glad you have good neighbors.
Love, P
Prajna, thank you. It is a blessing to live in this beautiful place, where people have come together to take care of each other.
I do know the story of Stone Soup. One of my neighbors puts up a “Stone Soup Stage” every year, for local performers and others who want to participate. Everyone has a gift, and together we make a great mix of flavors.
Sending love.🙏❤️
Yea that’s it! 💞
I won't belabor the point with too many of my own words. Suffice it to say, you nailed it here in so many ways, like a nail gun reigning memoriam posters rapid fire on every city wall. Keep writing, for us all.
Thank you so much, Paul. I appreciate your generous words.
It takes a lot of courage to write with such vulnerability. Just know that many of us need a voice to express what is real. In a country that is now speaking lies, and believe cruelty is civil. You bring the truth in a way we can feel it with our senses. Having lived in the Midwest all of my life, the backyard fire pit brought it home for me. Our grief is shared when we gather. Love and blessings❤️
Lynn, thank you. I think that people who see the images of what’s happening in my state don’t get the full picture. We are all affected by these events. There’s no 24 hour news cycle here. It’s just a matter of living from one day to the next, doing what we can to make a difference. There is strength in community, as those of us in flyover land understand. Blessings to you as well.💛🙏
Francis, we will die trying. Thank you for having a little faith in us. Well, most of us. Our better angels are ready to fight.
May you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Fire Horse, Mary!
Stay warm, safe, and hopeful! ❤️
Thank you, Yi! Wishing you the same.🙏
your writing grows bolder and more luminous, emergent, urgent, in your unique understated way. thank you.
Thank you, Nancy.🙏