Thank you so much, Rebecca. Writing this piece was therapeutic for me. Since the election, I've had the same concerns you have. Putting them into words released some of the angst.

Even though the situation has not changed, I was able to remember something I did not include in this essay but may write about later.

Humanity has been through difficult times before. But we pull through because the better angels among us never exempt themselves from doing the best they can do each day to make the world a better place.

You are one of those angels, Rebecca. I know that from reading your work over the past few years. I'm also perpetually encouraged by the work of Joseph Campbell, which has had a major impact on me.

Especially his masterpiece, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Whatever we have to go through now will be the proving ground for those kinds of people to emerge. It probably won't happen overnight. But it will happen.

Thanks again for your kindness and encouragement, my friend. You are appreciated!