That we all have a role to play no matter how small, we all can make a difference.

How can I look at your bright eyes and light dance and tell you we are facing a war?

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

Please don’t wait to see the adverse effects instead adopt that river, stream, lake or ocean to make the world a better place.

I want you to feel awestruck like I do. It is important to feel small sometimes, to feel the weight of reality, to recognize the scale of a challenge, to see where you fit and what you are up against. This is the case with climate 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.

I am going to start doing better to have a healthier planet for you to live on.

I wish I had a crystal ball and could peep into it to see you all happy and safe in a world that nourishes you and that is also nourished by you, a world where the resources it provides are as valued as the people in it and not frittered away by greed and power.

You are young and have a rich future ahead of you. I am retired and aiming for a high quality of cultural life and comfort with whatever time remains to me. I do not want to see a world whose elders sacrifice your future for their short-term needs and personal gain. So it’s up to you and me to speak out.

Vivamos a vida com intensidade, Não nos importando a localidade.

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