What I have to say (long version)

[hlthe2b]

1. I read every word, bigtree and greatly appreciate this insight...

You and many of us on DU who are somewhat close in generations--even the overlaps between Millennials, Gen-X and Baby Boomers-- have experienced a lot, yet from very different perspectives, impacts, and vantage points. Your essay could not be more illustrative on that score. I hope you will recognize my sincerity (and any absence of patronization) when I say that you have a lot to be proud of in terms of your family's experiences and challenges faced and overcome. There is a lot of regret for all of us living today--especially now under Trump--and for many, significant and very justified mistrust. I think the latter is a lingering pain that may never be overcome and something that saddens me greatly.

Perhaps you have it in you to write your memoirs. Even if you do not choose to try to publish, you might do so with friends/family and perhaps archive on a website that might invite the writings of others as well.

Thank you for sharing.