I will use my voice to help bring awareness about climate change.

I realize my reflection of the past, current and future state of the environment paints a grim and pessimistic picture, but I feel optimistic in our ability to turn planet Earth’s fate around if we all work together and commit to making a change.

My mistake was thinking I needed to give you more to be a good Mom. Recently your aunt asked me what my favorite toy was growing up. I gulped, I didn’t have one- it was the outdoors, sliding down a ravine of leaves with my Dad, skiing and camping. Today is October 12th, 2021 and I am still going to be giving you a lot, it’s going to look a little different – love, experiences, education and a healthy planet.

Each of us only has so much power and the problem is HUGE, but I worked at this every day.

I look at my baby niece today. The newest member of our family, just 3 days old. What will be left for her and her grandchildren?

Make the most of every day because remember yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.

There are so many more things that we can do together to help our Earth from the damage that has been done, and I am so excited to teach you.

Be fearless – do not be afraid to talk to each other and do not be afraid to fail.

It seems silly to saddle yourself with guilt for something that hasn’t happened yet. I don’t want to do that. As of today, I don’t really feel guilty. I guess I just want to make sure I keep doing more, so that when you read this, and ask what I’ve done since then, I can still feel good about my efforts.

I don’t wish to go backwards, but I do wish we would slow down and design our brave new world with more care.

Be the person who shows up. Be the person who continues to advocate for change because change is possible – it is possible in the most partisan of politics.