Happy Birthday, Jessica!
For my beautiful daughter —
Thank you for teaching me the meaning of joy.
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A vigil for Jessica
Jessica is scheduled for a procedure in the morning. Routine, in its way, but nothing is ever routine with her anymore. If it ever was. You used to think it would get easier. But it doesn’t. You get understanding, yes, and you know what to do and where to stand, and you long ago made…
On how to see
I am doing an in-person interview because the editor who has hired me to write the piece I’m working on prefers her writers to do in-person interviews. This is important only because while I understand the point—it helps build rapport with someone you are about to ask a bunch of very personal questions—I am thinking…
On visiting the zoo
We are at the zoo on a late fall afternoon. The weather is cool but pleasant. We’re sitting at an outdoor table near the exit and I am trying to convince Jessica that it’s time to go. She disagrees. Jessica has been in charge of the itinerary for this trip, so we have ridden the…
On most-wanted lists
Jess and I are going to see Muppets: Most Wanted, and she wants to know what “most wanted” means. Me: If the police know you’ve done something criminal, but they don’t know where to find you, they might put you on the most-wanted list. Then if you’re spotted, the police will arrest you. Jessica: Well,…
On the truth, and things that really happen
I have a friend who travels a lot in Mexico, and the last time she was there she brought me back a Zapatista doll dressed in traditional colors and wearing a balaclava. It was one of those things I didn’t know I needed until I found out it existed. “What is that?” Jessica asks, which…
A circle of friends
The other night, I was at what can only be described as a suburban cocktail party. I had a good time, but I was reminded that I should, perhaps, wear a sign: “Warning: Jennifer’s sense of humor is not to be taken seriously.” I horrified seven people, which, in a gathering of about twenty is…