Meeting in person, over coffee and pastry, with John, and ever smiling ray of sunshine, on a beautiful fall day. His contagious smile, covered by a mask until we start drinking our coffee and eating our pastries. It’s nice to see him, as always.

An astroturf rug got pulled out from under our well-planted feet. The desire for a better world through planned spaces was met with a mirror to reflect on the effects of good intentions. Built environments to include some but not all, the invisible fences of design theories often take generations to undo. For the sake of equity we end up beautifying space, only to make it unaffordable for those who have little choice in the matter.

When we started getting to know each other, a few years ago, I sensed some sarcasm in her voice, and thanks to the social media, found her to be a goofy middle child, between two boys….

Jim thinks in rhythm and systems. He works in computers, technology, music, and the human language. He is one of the most even-keel people I know….

I was a young mom new to town. I was lifted up by strong, local women who had older children, some out of the nest, others about to take off. Marge was one of those women.

I knew him by another name and I asked the reason for the change. I know little of Rastafarianism, and did my fair share of googling, and listening to a playlist provided by Ras, which means “King”. I realized that my only reference came from Fugees song lyrics, and a distant knowledge of Bob Marley. Therefore, I had plenty to learn….

We forgot we were raising good humans.

Tears fell from her eyes as an empathetic ear listened to her frustrations of worksheets and to do lists. Empathy translated her fears of doing it wrong into empowerment to do what makes sense.