Dear Joanie,
Your mother will have to talk with you about the events of the past week, right before the United States celebrates its independence and freedom from being a colony of England in 1776. That day is a federal holiday, and it's usually celebrated with parades in cities and towns both large and small. Everyone looks forward to magnificent fireworks displays, but not so much the loud firecrackers that go off way into the early morning hours. Picnics and good music merge together in public places and back yards as families and friends gather. People wear red, white, and blue, and some of them dress up as Uncle Sam or the Statue of Liberty, while others paint their faces in stars and stripes. Independence.
But not so much this year. In Boulder, we haven't had a public fireworks display since 2018, on account of COVID-19 and also because we are at high risk for fire danger, given the dryness and low humidity. In Boulder County right now, fireworks are prohibited (which didn't deter some people!) as are open fires, so no cookouts in our local parks and recreation areas.
There are other reasons, though, that many people have lost heart and really didn't at all feel inclined to celebrate out independence. The events of the past week, as I mentioned before, put a damper on any kind of celebration, as we witnessed the Supreme Court, the law of our land, issue decisions that took away the rights of women to make choices, widened people's access to open carrying of guns without having a license, and contributed to our dangerous climate change by stating that the federal government could not regulate standards of pollution previously done by the Environmental Protection Agency. What a week and what a court! All of these decisions will directly affect you as you grow up in this country, and your parents will need to talk to you about all these issues. I have no doubt that the decisions of this current Supreme Court will find their place in your history books.
But that's not all. Sadly, on the very day, July 4, during a parade in Chicago where men, women, and children, young and old, had gathered for a celebration, we once again witnessed a mass shooting. Once again, we lament the loss of lives and legislators who somehow value the right to carry assault weapons (which should be prohibited) over the lives of people, and especially children. Our hearts break as we feel helpless in this country to pass anything other than a watered-down gun law, while other nations look upon us in horror. Alas.
Here at home, Dougie and I feel the sadness of these events and then carry on with our day. He is still doing physical therapy and speech therapy, going to his book groups and play readings. We walk everyday to the creek and sit to watch people jumping into the cold water while others come down the creek in kayaks and rubber tubes. Summer time in Boulder means skaters and bikers and runners and walkers, just like what you have in New York. Everyone wants to be outside, even when it gets really hot.
I am doing my dance classes and strength training, and Shelby Poodle and I walk about two miles each day. We still have to wear masks in public places at the Carillon, and I still wear my mask in the big stores like Target and Whole Foods. Dougie does not go into these stores.
We watch videos of you in the park, playing in the cool water, wearing your little dresses and sun hat and pushing the stroller with your doll in it. We love your smile and delight in the world that you are navigating as those who love you make sure you embrace all the good this world has to offer.
With hopes for true freedom,
GG Katie
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