Sent on

December 16, 2016

by

Helen Nelling

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Dear Sport and Skeezix (my grandchildren Owen & Sam),

I write this today because I am so concerned about the state of the natural world that you will inherit. Grandpa and I, as well as your dad and your Opa, were blessed to live in a beautiful world and enjoy the wonders of mountains, clean rivers, and other beauties. But change has been occurring. We’ve noticed it in the little things: armadillos have moved up to Missouri as southern states have gotten hotter. Birds that used to leave Missouri in the winter for warmer climates are now staying. And, of course, we’ve seen the big changes….the diminished ice caps, the destroyed coral reefs, the erosion of beaches. As a consequence, we are trying to step up and work for the environment by battling the politicians who put contributions and business needs above the health of the earth. Grandpa and I aren’t “outdoorsy” … but we love this world and we must speak up to protect it for you and your generation…as well as your children. We hope when you read this message, we have been successful and you live on a beautiful and healthy planet.

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Dear Tomorrow,

I promise to use a water bottle.

Dear Tomorrow,

I promise to sign up for 100% renewable energy.

Dear Jamie and Jason,

My inspiration was the two of you. It started with thinking about the world you were inheriting and what your future was going to be like. But then you taught me how important it is to listen to you – to listen to young people.

Dear Grandchildren,

I hope we can pass on a better place to live so that my grandchildren and their future children can enjoy the beauty of nature that our wonderful God has given us.

Dear Beloved Children,

As time progresses, there is hope that value will be placed on all living organisms, including humans, plants, and animals. Life will move at a slower pace, and being on your own time and moving at your individual pace will be the typical way of life. I consider this way of life good living, and I hope that future generations will live on this earth as it was once intended to live in peace and harmony.

Dear Kai and Leah,

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.

Dear Daughter,

Even when contemplating huge global-historical issues — especially then — it’s important to stay grounded in the present time and place, the specific here and now, and the minute affairs of everyday interpersonal relations.

To my Dad,

I hope on this Father’s Day, my 24th birthday, and the rest of days, we remember that the most basic part of life is living happy with the ones we love. Acting every day against climate change will allow us to keep that simple piece of humanity.

Queridos filhos Heloísa e Henzo,

Tenho muito orgulho da minha função (agente de fiscalização ambiental do Acre) pois é através dela que posso dar um pouco do meu suor, para que no futuro ambos possam ter um lugar melhor para viver.

To my great-great grandchildren,

I don’t know your name
or even if you’re alive,
but I’m doing all I can
to make sure you survive.

I’m your great- great grandmother
who lived a century ago
in a world far different
from the one you must know.

Dear Potential Future Kiddo,

To think that my choices of sustainable commuting, eating a plant based diet, and working on our City’s zero waste program likely pale in comparison to the impact of not having a baby is nothing short of devastating. Does it make me a bad environmentalist to honor my maternal instincts?

Dear Tomorrow,

And, if this summer has taught me anything, I am content (because I have to be) living in this limbo, this seemingly endless waiting for the opportunity to change, when really the opportunity exists within our very selves all along.

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