So appreciate you, your work, and your words. "The Examined Family" is a place to think and feel and see in new ways. I have no big ideas for change! Any easy ways to see you and others process and make sense of the everyday dilemmas and paradoxes and joys of life (with depth and humor!) are always welcome, but I'm good with what you are doing and sharing now (which has a richness and range that brings into focus so many different things worthy of attention.)
I see that I’m not the only reader to admire your extraordinary prayer for 2025. It’s beautiful! Your characteristic eloquence reaches heights of perfection here, a fitting climax to a year of inspiring writing. Thank you for making this contribution to peace on earth. DD
I would love a monthly or quarterly "advice" newsletter where readers submit questions they'd love to hear your perspective on! This is such a wonderful newsletter and I'm so grateful for your writing! Wishing you and your family a healthy and peaceful new years <3
Greed! Greed is why our state does not care about elders suffering from dementia (but deserve better) as you noted in your Chronicle piece today. The oft quoted, startling statistic says that over the last 40 years $50,000,000,000,000 went to the top 1% from the bottom 90%. As you are aware, we are about to enter a period when the state intends to go after the money currently still used to care for those in need in this country. I grew up in the 50's and 60's when the state did care.
Greed is in our DNA because it helps us survive in a competitive world we did not choose. It's like the strongest baby bird pushing the other siblings out of the nest to get all the food and become even stronger to survive better in a dangerous world. All animals are forced to eat other living things.
Community seems to be a more recent invention that counterintuitively points to a better way to survive as a species. It's a competing force that struggles to gain traction. It seems that when working for the common good demonstrates a better path for humans, some of the most capable among us decide they are losing out and with the great determination they are capable of set out to push the rest of the baby birds out of the nest.
My wife and I are caregivers for her 54-year-old Downs syndrome son. But we are much better off because of the Lanterman Act passed decades ago in California that requires the state by law to care for developmentally disabled people. Funding has lagged but the services are real and a godsend for these disabled people and their families. Those with dementia need this kind of care but I believe especially going forward this will cost much more than those covered by the Lanterman Act. The Lanterman Act is proof of what a community working together for the common good can do. If we can transfer that money back from the top 1%, our state could go a long way to help relieve the suffering of its people.
I greatly feel your loss of Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay. Your eloquent article was powerful especially in your determination to carry on. It spoke to me. Best to you.
So appreciate you, your work, and your words. "The Examined Family" is a place to think and feel and see in new ways. I have no big ideas for change! Any easy ways to see you and others process and make sense of the everyday dilemmas and paradoxes and joys of life (with depth and humor!) are always welcome, but I'm good with what you are doing and sharing now (which has a richness and range that brings into focus so many different things worthy of attention.)
Oh man, this means so much coming from you Jeff. Thanks for being such a huge supporter and kind friend over the years. It means a lot.
I see that I’m not the only reader to admire your extraordinary prayer for 2025. It’s beautiful! Your characteristic eloquence reaches heights of perfection here, a fitting climax to a year of inspiring writing. Thank you for making this contribution to peace on earth. DD
Love you DD.
I loved your “Prayer for the New Year” so much! I actually printed it and put it on my office wall. It was a gentle reminder all year long. Thank you
Wow, I'm so touched. Thanks for telling me that.
I would love a monthly or quarterly "advice" newsletter where readers submit questions they'd love to hear your perspective on! This is such a wonderful newsletter and I'm so grateful for your writing! Wishing you and your family a healthy and peaceful new years <3
What a wonderful idea! Thank you.
Greed! Greed is why our state does not care about elders suffering from dementia (but deserve better) as you noted in your Chronicle piece today. The oft quoted, startling statistic says that over the last 40 years $50,000,000,000,000 went to the top 1% from the bottom 90%. As you are aware, we are about to enter a period when the state intends to go after the money currently still used to care for those in need in this country. I grew up in the 50's and 60's when the state did care.
Greed is in our DNA because it helps us survive in a competitive world we did not choose. It's like the strongest baby bird pushing the other siblings out of the nest to get all the food and become even stronger to survive better in a dangerous world. All animals are forced to eat other living things.
Community seems to be a more recent invention that counterintuitively points to a better way to survive as a species. It's a competing force that struggles to gain traction. It seems that when working for the common good demonstrates a better path for humans, some of the most capable among us decide they are losing out and with the great determination they are capable of set out to push the rest of the baby birds out of the nest.
My wife and I are caregivers for her 54-year-old Downs syndrome son. But we are much better off because of the Lanterman Act passed decades ago in California that requires the state by law to care for developmentally disabled people. Funding has lagged but the services are real and a godsend for these disabled people and their families. Those with dementia need this kind of care but I believe especially going forward this will cost much more than those covered by the Lanterman Act. The Lanterman Act is proof of what a community working together for the common good can do. If we can transfer that money back from the top 1%, our state could go a long way to help relieve the suffering of its people.
I greatly feel your loss of Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay. Your eloquent article was powerful especially in your determination to carry on. It spoke to me. Best to you.