Dear Llewyn, beloved grandson …

I wanted to write you about what I am doing to fight for climate justice and a just transition–to a fossil fuel free, economically equitable, non-oppressive society.  I support the Elders Climate Action group of older people who are committing themselves to take action to do as much as possible to find ways to survive climate disruption, economic collapse, militarism, racial and religious oppression … into a future where many can find new ways to live resiliently, in good health and with care for their neighbors … and for all people, sentient beings, and the good Eaarth.

(You may wonder why I spelled “earth” as “Eaarth.”  It is because many of us here in 2019 know the earth has already changed irreversibly because of Climate Disruption.  Already many species of animals, plants and other ecosystem formations are gone, forever.  The tragedy of this is almost too much to bear; it is bearable only because I and many others like me [in EJA and in other conscious and committed groups], are fighting to preserve what we can, and to build new ways of living that will sustain us in the future.)

I am so very sorry that the legacy that has been left to you is an Eaarth that has been so deeply damaged, whose social systems are in such chaos, whose economics is so tangled and inequitable, and where strife and conflict are rampant.  I can only say that I devoted myself to doing as much as I could to make it better, to provide for a just transition, and to fight those forces that continued to exploit the Eaarth with extractive methods, methods that always also included oppressing some people–because those doing the oppression believed that they were better and deserved more.

You are very dear to me and from the moment you were born, I knew that as your Gumpa (grandfather) I had a special relationship with you that was separate from your mother and your father.  I felt myself reaching over them, the very minute you were born, to you … connecting to you with a bond of love and commitment.  It was a profound experience that has been a guiding light for me in many ways–ways that allowed me to be more courageous in fighting for what is healthy, beautiful, and for what holds the Eaarth and all its living forms and gorgeously intricate ecosystems with respect and love.

I send this now, to you, my beloved grandson, now in your second year on the planet … with love and respect, and a deep hope that you will live a just and good life, working with passion to build new ways of resilient survival.

Your loving Gumpa (Kurt)

P.S. The foto is of you and I on the very first day you were born.