It Really Does Take a Village

We had a high school graduation party for Hank on Saturday. He wanted a costume party and here we are.

All 5 of his grandparents, most of whom live out of town, traveled for this party. All 3 of his aunties flew in for it, plus an uncle and cousins. There were chosen aunties, notably my bestie who came up from California. All of his favorite teachers showed.

There were musicians, artists, activists, queer role models - people leading beautiful, unconventional lives who have made a big impression on Hank over the years and who have shown him that there are so many ways to live meaningfully, to be creative, to do good. It truly takes a village. I’m so grateful for ours. I was sad to miss the big protest in Portland on Saturday but this was a powerful balm. We keep moving forward with love and energy and hope.

If you’re wondering why there are so many monks, we surprised Hank with the self-flagellating monk bit from Monty Python’s Holy Grail - his little brother’s idea. Colin also played a set, and afterwards we watched Everything Everywhere All at Once on the side of the barn. It was SO COLD. By the end of the movie everyone had Irish-goodbyed to their warm houses and only my family of four remained, shivering and cheering and then collapsing into our own cozy beds.

Hank, we’re so proud of you! We love you so much.