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Kate Schumacher
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Happy Holidays and Wishes for a New Year,

Dear Emma and Calvin,

Today is the first day of December 2016. The holiday hustle and bustle is quickly approaching us. Every year for the past three years I have made a family calendar that is filled with pictures from the previous year to give to our closest family members. It’s always brought me great joy to create this special gift that is filled with memories of our year together. We started the year off with a big snow storm. The snow was as high as the two of you! I pulled the sled in the street around the neighborhood. We shared special events with our friends. Parades, birthdays, daddy’s first marathon, and long summer days with Uncle Dan and Alex. Outside our bubble of family fun, the world has been slowly changing. In November, you came with us to vote for what we thought would be the first women President of the United States. Instead, in a confluence of political chaos, Donald Trump was elected. You see, this is the first time a man who has no political experience and very wealthy friends is being elected. The fabric of our democracy has been torn. I want so badly for you both to have a childhood that is not touched by hate or disruption. I hope with all my heart that when I write to you next year I can say that I was wrong. Your Great Aunt and Uncle believe that we are over reacting. When you read this, no matter what the outcome, please know that mommy and daddy believe that every person in this world deserves the same rights. We are not owned more than an equal share. There is so much beauty in our natural world and it is worth protecting. Humans are having a terrible effect on our planet and I want you to share beautiful parks and lakes with your children. So, this is Christmas. The New Year is ahead. I hope to take a new job with Moms Clean Air Force where I will be doing everything in my power to help protect you through the halls of Congress. I hope to make you proud and I hope to keep you safe. I love you and can’t wait to make next year’s calendar every day with you.

Love, Momma

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