That winter death looked straight into our eyes and stared long, without faltering. It wanted to hypnotise us, like a boa constrictor hypnotises its intended victim, stripping him of his will and subjugating him. But those who sent us so much death miscalculated. They underestimated our voracious hunger for life.
-Poet Olga Berggolts reflecting on winter of 1942 during the Siege of Leningrad.
In my newest play, Does This Apocalypse Make Me Look Fat? A Comedy about Broken Bodies, Large and Small, I look at all kinds of survivors as I consider what it takes to remain human in the midst of suffering and fear.
Hello from Regina!
I have finished another semester at Luther and it’s been quite the ride. Right before final exams, my son informed me that he wanted to be called Emily and I informed him it didn’t matter to me what he called himself – I will love him no matter what his name is or his sexual orientation. I know he is in God’s hands and I love him no matter what. After he told me, my heart ached for him because of the struggles he must be going through.
I’ve contacted low-income housing and we have an interview on Wednesday for a place for my two boys and I to live. My eldest, Elijah – who wants to be called Emily and my youngest, Benjamin – he was cutting himself until he bought himself a cat – I call Miss Kitteh his therapy cat because he has not cut himself since he brought her home from the animal shelter.
I am writing you to ask you if you and your husband could please pray for us. The ex-husband is slowly killing their spirit and I cannot stand by and watch. Thank you for your prayers and I brag about you to my boys and my friends.
Sorry for a heavy prayer request and will keep you informed on what’s happening.
God bless and be blessed.
Jennie Lynne Rennie
Jeannie, yes we will pray for you all, hold you in the Light, as we say in Quaker circles. I am about to go to Quaker meeting, so I will especially think of you and Emily and Benjamin during this time of change in your family. Emily sounds like she is a person of intergrity and strength. And although this must be new ground for you to travel, you are reaching out, and I am sure will continue to do so. There are lots of great resources out their for parents of trans* and gender non-conforming children.
Besides prayer, let me know how I can help in finding you resources and connecting you with people who can relate.
Much love,
PEterson