Did you know they were super advocates for early childhood too?
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Reader, Where do I even start? It’s not like my heart is breaking... again. It’s like the hits just keep hitting harder. I have no good words for all the loss. My heart goes out to all the communities affected by the violence this past weekend — Bondi Beach, Brown University, the family of beloved American artists, and now an MIT professor. I’m also very aware that there is constant violence against children every day, all around the world. Trying to make sense of senseless violence doesn’t always feel possible or constructive. But I wanted to share something meaningful amid all this pain. (I’m using it to remind myself we ARE creating a kinder and safer world despite what we might think.) Like most GenXers, I grew up watching Rob Reiner and his movies. And in the late 90s and 2000s, my day job was in film and TV production. So, of course, the deaths of Rob and his wife, Michele, were shocking. Close to home in many ways (my family has also dealt with the devastating and sometimes violent effects of addiction and mental illness). But did you know that the Reiners were also passionate advocates for early childhood nurturing, WELL before it was mainstream? They started the “I Am Your Child” initiative to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood education and care. I remember being annoyed as a 20-something smoker 😌 because their efforts to fund early childhood programs resulted in a 50-cent tax on cigarettes in California in the late 90s. (I’m super glad they did that, even if my broke-self thought it was unfair.) They recognized how the first five years shape our later experiences and personal well-being. They understood that investing in early childhood care isn’t just about kids. It’s about building the kind of society we want. More compassionate. Their deaths are a loss for our community of child advocates. And they will be remembered for far more than their artistic contributions. May their memory (and all those we’ve recently lost) be eternal. And may our humanity rise above our hate. I’m so glad you’re part of helping build that new world. And I'm sending you the warmest wishes for a safe and bright new year. Warmly, Want to join our Winter ❄️ Solstice Gathering? Get on the list. 🎁 Courses & Cards are 20% off this season. 👉🏻The fastest way to change resistance into connection. |
