You can build a wall with words;brick by brick, stack up fear and hate.Sir, the wall you seek?It’s already standing. Here is the ugly truth: this nation was built through genocide, on the backs of slaves, upon the false principle whiteness reigns supreme. Here is another truth: my family is no different than those atContinue reading “A word about walls”
This year, I want to be brave
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked, looking at me in the mirror. From height of my salon chair, I studied myself. Some iteration of long hair has been my look the majority of my adult life. My senior year of college I received a poorly executed shorter cut that left me emotionallyContinue reading “This year, I want to be brave”
Gets better with age
In my early twenties, I worked for a large, progressive Presbyterian church on Chicago’s Gold Coast. I’d graduated in 2008 with dreams of working for a magazine or newspaper, but this was the year of the financial crisis and although unpaid internships beckoned, I could not afford to take them. I needed a paying job.Continue reading “Gets better with age”
Looks like surrender, feels like home
I open the door and see him dead center in a sea of toddlers, tears streaming down his tiny, flushed face. “Mommy!” he sobs. “Oh poor buddy,” I say, rushing forward, folding him in my arms. His teacher tried to reach me earlier, but I missed her calls. That Tuesday, while I sat in meetings,Continue reading “Looks like surrender, feels like home”
What I mean when I talk about living gratefully
It’s been a difficult year for our family. So difficult some of our stories have been too painful to share here. My husband is healthy again, but inside we’re still healing from the trauma. Reflecting back on it all, however, my heart remains full. I’m deeply grateful for the blessings God has placed in myContinue reading “What I mean when I talk about living gratefully”
A wave of love
Two years ago, I sobbed when America didn’t elect her. And I continue to lament the way his presidency’s built walls in our nation. His words and actions have fostered hate for those who look or worship or love or vote differently than us; cruelty at our borders; distrust of the truth — of journalistsContinue reading “A wave of love”
Keep watch
“I see cars!” my son says, his face pressed against the window. “Good. Jack, what else do you see?” I ask. “It’s sunny! It’s sunny!” he declares with a grin. We discuss the clouds and the wing and the plane’s descent; he’s testing his growing vocabulary, a tiny reporter riveted by the world around us.Continue reading “Keep watch”
To have and to hold
And you have a person in your life whose hand you like to hold? “Yes, I do.” It must surely, then, be very happy down there in your heart “Yes,” I said. “It is.” —Mary Oliver My husband Jay and I celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary on October 13. IfContinue reading “To have and to hold”
How I coped with weaning my son
About a month ago in August, after a three-day work trip to Boston, I stopped breastfeeding my son. He was 17 months old, and my husband and I thought this trip was a good opportunity to wean him. Prior to the trip, he comfort nursed twice a day, in the mornings and evenings. I droppedContinue reading “How I coped with weaning my son”
Return to running
In my early twenties, I lived for running. In college, I jogged through campus and ran the backs of Cambridge while abroad. After graduating I ran 5ks, then half marathons and even triathlons. For three seasons, I was a girls running coach. I frequently ran the Chicago lakefront. Then I stopped. I stopped running consistentlyContinue reading “Return to running”
Erin Strybis 