Three days a week, I teach Spanish here in my house to Yolanda and Pasiano’s children as well as Yolanda’s nieces and stepdaughter. Her daughter Yoli was so sleepy during lessons today that I asked if she wanted coffee or a caffeine pill and she said no. I asked if she had to go to school and she said no she was on vacation and I asked if she could sleep when she went home and she said yes.
While I was driving her home, I asked why she had trouble sleeping and she said, “Guerra” (War) and then Donald Trump. She is so worried about the threat of a nuclear war that she can’t sleep! I talked to her and said it helped me to listen to podcasts and she said she listened to them but they were all about Trump and his actions. It just breaks my heart.
I told her I couldn’t sleep for the same reason and I decided I just needed to do what the Mexican people have always done under repressive regimes–– Spanish, French—even the Aztecs. To pull in to contact with family and friends and to do as much for each other as we can to make a different world for those around us. She has no power to change Donald Trump. She can only affect the world around her and try to get as much joy from it as possible.
Then I sobbed all the way home after leaving her off at her house and had to go to the bathroom mirror to catch sight of myself and take myself in hand. If I can’t even do it, how can I expect a 14 year old girl to do so?
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
Yes, Judy. I awoke with a pounding heart this morning. What can we do. I’m glad you were able to give some comfort to Yoli. We need each other.
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We do, indeed, to bring some normalcy back.
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Very crazy times right now. The president is somehow very disconnected with reality. He does stuff and doesn’t realize there are consequences. This one might be a rookie. Or it might just pass by and everybody will forget about it in a few days.
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How sad is this? The actions of one deranged man has brought anxiety to people all around the world. Hugs dear friend.
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Damn, that breaks my heart.💔
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Mine, too. How could one man be allowed to ruin so many lives?
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There is nothing else to do. 💔
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As hard as it was, I’m glad you were able to be there for Yoli — it helped her, and I’m sure it also helped you to know that you could show her a different side of the USA, embarrassing as it is right now. I have a friend whose granddaughter is married to a “dreamer,” and they have a 2 year old daughter. The dad is in process of following the path to citizenship — he’s applied for a green card, which is the first step. Once he has that, he must wait for a while, then can apply for citizenship, but it could take years. In the meantime he is at the mercy of ICE, which is not very merciful these days. My thoughts for the mom are keeping me awake these days, too! Too much for me, and definitely too much for a mom with young child, or for a 14 year old! My love to Yoli and those around her!
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Thanks so much, Janet. I’ve been wondering how you are. How do you like your new home?
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It’s taking a while — I love my space, but it’s a huge adjustment from living alone to living with almost 700 elderly people! I’ll be away for a few days while the streets are slurry sealed — better than dealing with where to park my car! My apt is about the same size as the condo was, but on one level. Most of my stuff is put away now, though there is still some unpacking left to do, and I’m beginning to get out for some of the “activities.”
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700 in one apartment building or are there a number of buildings? Have you taken photos? I hope you meet some good friends there.
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Judy, I think how most of us feel…what can we do to mobilize, protest, write letters. The obstacles seem overwhelming. But your advice is very reasonable and comforting. mj
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Utterly heartbreaking and enraging! To see how far this orange idiot’s venom has crept so far, even to the heart of a child in Mexico… I just don’t have words.
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I know. Hard to see it first hand and this is nothing next to the children elsewhere who have died thanks to the withdrawal of aid by this monster. He caters to the far right by supporting the withdrawal of Roe vs. Wade, but doesn’t care enough about the children who are born to preserve their lives. Dangerous, unforgiveable hypocrisy.
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In 2018, Rick Wilson, a former Republican strategist, wrote a book titled “Everything Trump Touches Dies.” Though I haven’t read it, I think of the title often. The man is deranged and has failed at everything he’s ever tried to do—except to persuade enough politically low information voters that his first presidency was a huge success.
And now—even more deranged than he was then—he’s wreaking worldwide havoc that’s killing millions (with the help of Stephen Miller and Russ Vought, and Musk—as well as the spineless Republicans.)
But I do feel his days are numbered. It’s just so painful in the meantime. I wish I could comfort Yoli too, Judy. And I wish I could comfort you.
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How terribly sad is this! It’s heartbreaking.
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