Oh, Leah, I'm so sorry about Joe's accident, his being laid off, and the loss of your dog! 😢💔 Such awful stuff in the pit of awfulness that is now. Thank you for your eloquent words, and for doing what you do, despite the horrific mess we're all in. If it's a tiny bit of comfort, we need you. ❤️
We are all Shady characters in a sad country song right now. I'm so sorry about your dog, what a heartbreak. Heal well and know we are here, Thank you for the words, grateful for the read. I remember that asshole Mabon, what a stain on Oregon, but it didn't make me want to leave. "She flies by her own wings" or something like that. Goodnight
Fifth generation born in Oregon, here. That’s right, a descendant of the settler colonizers, with state and county parks named for my ancestors. I had left home for college when Lon Mabon and OCA showed up. Indirectly, the initiative in Sweet Home is what destroyed my relationship with my grandmother. The one in Cottage Grove destroyed my relationship with my brother. The one in Linn County ruined my relationship with my dad.
Mabon, that crappy carpetbagger, has a lot to answer for—and this Oregonian no longer lives in Oregon.
That is devastating, Kel. Such an ugly part of Oregon’s history, and so recent. I found Stein’s unpacking of the situation helped me make sense of this moment. But I also wondered why we try to forget situations like it so quickly.
My father, who grew up in the Soviet Union, has told me often of how quickly interpersonal trust was eroded under Stalin, even turning family members against one another. I wrote about this some in my book A Walking Life.
I don't really know an antidote except to keep building up and nurturing cultures of compassion and empathy and hoping that for some generation in the future that'll be the norm.
Oh, Leah, I'm so sorry about Joe's accident, his being laid off, and the loss of your dog! 😢💔 Such awful stuff in the pit of awfulness that is now. Thank you for your eloquent words, and for doing what you do, despite the horrific mess we're all in. If it's a tiny bit of comfort, we need you. ❤️
Thanks, Christy. It’s been a lot, that’s for sure. Appreciate your kindness.
We are all Shady characters in a sad country song right now. I'm so sorry about your dog, what a heartbreak. Heal well and know we are here, Thank you for the words, grateful for the read. I remember that asshole Mabon, what a stain on Oregon, but it didn't make me want to leave. "She flies by her own wings" or something like that. Goodnight
Thank you so much, Susie.
Fifth generation born in Oregon, here. That’s right, a descendant of the settler colonizers, with state and county parks named for my ancestors. I had left home for college when Lon Mabon and OCA showed up. Indirectly, the initiative in Sweet Home is what destroyed my relationship with my grandmother. The one in Cottage Grove destroyed my relationship with my brother. The one in Linn County ruined my relationship with my dad.
Mabon, that crappy carpetbagger, has a lot to answer for—and this Oregonian no longer lives in Oregon.
That is devastating, Kel. Such an ugly part of Oregon’s history, and so recent. I found Stein’s unpacking of the situation helped me make sense of this moment. But I also wondered why we try to forget situations like it so quickly.
My father, who grew up in the Soviet Union, has told me often of how quickly interpersonal trust was eroded under Stalin, even turning family members against one another. I wrote about this some in my book A Walking Life.
I don't really know an antidote except to keep building up and nurturing cultures of compassion and empathy and hoping that for some generation in the future that'll be the norm.
I think you're right — that's the only way. Thank you for doing that work, and for putting good into the world.
Back atcha. 🧡
This one might get a few re-reads. So incredibly timely.
A new item for my never-ending "books to read" list as well. ;)
Your work is so very important and I'm happy to support it. Sorry to hear how hard you've been bitten by life lately. :(
Thanks, Jason. As always it is so wonderful to hear from you.