As I write this, I consider giving up as it sometimes seems that all is lost. But then I think of you.

Sent on
June 11, 2018
by
Jim Poyser
Send Your Own Message

Dear Ezmae,

By 2050, you will be in your mid 30s. In my mid 30s, I was pondering what career would best support my three children, one of whom is your mom, Clare. I had a choice: journalism or nursing. I picked journalism, but nursing would have been just as amazing! Nevertheless, a quarter century ago I was not thinking about climate change and how it might impact my children and grandchildren. Now it is all I think about. I am fortunate to spend my full-time career on this most important issue, yet I disparage myself constantly for not doing more. Every day is an emotional roller coaster and I often end up on the low end of this thrill ride. And yes, here in 2018 as I write this, I consider giving up as it sometimes seems that all is lost.

But then I think of you.

You are almost four, but I feel as if you have been part of my whole life. You are brilliant and beautiful and funny and quite a scooter rider! When you see me you shout ‘Da!’ and rush to hug me. This is why giving up is not an option.

I will commit to not giving up, not going dark, not being overtaken by the demons of dread and regret. Because of you. Because of you I will continue to spend all my time on solutions. Because of you I will smile through this work, and model your joyful, hilarious nature in that work, so that others may feel that joy, that hopefulness, that sense of possibility.

Thank you for that, dear Ezmae.

Your Da,

Jim Poyser

Share on:
 
Send Your Own Message

More Messages to the Future

 

To My Dear Grandchildren,

Be assured that in the upcoming election, I will cast my vote for your future – for elected officials that recognize climate risks and are willing to promote and vote for legislation that will stop environmental damage and begin to heal our planet.
 

Querida Alê,

Por você idealizei um mundo melhor e lutei incessantemente por ele.
 

My dearest Paloma Bear,

I want the very best for you and for generations to come. There is only one planet earth. Your mommy and I will make a genuine effort to make an impact to protect it for you.
 

Dear Future Grandchild,

We can learn a lot about how to treat others from stories that have been passed from generation to generation.

 

Querida Futuro Yo,

Quiero que puedas decirme que lo hemos logrado, y que el mundo hoy es un poquito mejor porque nosotras pusimos de nuestra parte.
 

Dear Future Cassie,

I promise to be successful and help save the environment.
 

Dear Kaydence,

I will keep trying Kaydence, I promise. And I hope we can look back together in 2050 and smile, knowing that our Earth is healthy once again.
 

Dear Future Me,

I promise that I will change my behavior to benefit our trees.
 

Dear Tomorrow,

I promise I will do whatever I can to protect and preserve mother Earth for future generations.
 

My future husband,

I want us to read this in future time and remember all the senses and views we witnessed.
 

Dear Sinchi,

The world is changing and it is happening fast.
 

Dear Tomorrow,

I have solar and will be getting an electric car next week
View All Messages

Send Your Own Message