protect your tenderness

pictures from a new orleans altar

Photos of the memorial wall at Bourbon St. and Canal St., New Orleans, by myself.

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Dear Friends,

I am back from a short New Orleans trip. I had the pleasure of accompanying my mother to pick out new eyeglass frames, a horn-rimmed pair.

She said to our gay optician’s assistant,
“I don’t know, I just like a rim!”
He said, “Darling, who doesn’t?” and I laughed and laughed.

I visited the memorial to people who died in the truck attack on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day. So many countries were represented in the paint on the wall. This is the truth of the world, all the people of all of the countries that care about and support each other. Mexico prays for y’all. Canada stands with you. St. Lucia loves you. We are all Family. Stop the Violence Now. Eternal Peace and Happiness. Deep Forgiveness.

Double down on love. So many hearts out in public for all to see. As I stood at the memorial, a couple passed and a woman asked, “Would you like us to take your picture?” Until I turned to them, I didn’t realize I was overwhelmed with tears. “No, thank you. Being here is enough.”

Double down on love. How are you doing it, right now? How are you protecting your tenderness or defending your vulnerable neighbors? I hope you can—as I am trying to do—remember who the vast majority of people and animals on the planet are: caring, peaceful, curious, hoping to connect. This paroxysm will pass, don’t let the fascists steal your joy. How are you doubling down on love—or what kind care do you need, right now, what tenderness, what salve?

xo,

Abriel