Dear Ezmae,

By 2050, you will be in your mid 30s. In my mid 30s, I was pondering what career would best support my three children, one of whom is your mom, Clare. I had a choice: journalism or nursing. I picked journalism, but nursing would have been just as amazing! Nevertheless, a quarter century ago I was not thinking about climate change and how it might impact my children and grandchildren. Now it is all I think about. I am fortunate to spend my full-time career on this most important issue, yet I disparage myself constantly for not doing more. Every day is an emotional roller coaster and I often end up on the low end of this thrill ride. And yes, here in 2018 as I write this, I consider giving up as it sometimes seems that all is lost.

But then I think of you.

You are almost four, but I feel as if you have been part of my whole life. You are brilliant and beautiful and funny and quite a scooter rider! When you see me you shout ‘Da!’ and rush to hug me. This is why giving up is not an option.

I will commit to not giving up, not going dark, not being overtaken by the demons of dread and regret. Because of you. Because of you I will continue to spend all my time on solutions. Because of you I will smile through this work, and model your joyful, hilarious nature in that work, so that others may feel that joy, that hopefulness, that sense of possibility.

Thank you for that, dear Ezmae.

Your Da,

Jim Poyser