I love the Op-Ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader
I participated in an anti-Trump demonstration on April 5 in Issaquah. I proudly walked with more than 1,000 of my fellow Americans, and I was delighted with the many intelligent signs I saw. One that was very insightful said:
“This is a sign.” That sign had arrows pointing in every direction at the large gathered crowd. Yes, it is a sign.
Then there were these signs:
“The only minority destroying the United States is the billionaires.” How true.
“No due process for some means no due process for all.” Also true.
“All of my outrage can’t fit on this sign.” Ditto.
“Things are so bad, even the introverts are here.” That is bad, isn’t it?
“Fight truth decay.” Humor strikes a true note.
“Keep the immigrants. Deport Trump.” Something devoutly to be wished.
I believe as they believe. And it makes me sad to have to be here, but proud to know that so many of my fellow Americans feel as I do about President Donald Trump.
Buy yourself flowers—but not the basic ones. The full, decadent, unnecessarily gorgeous kind.
Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…
Should I pause my 401(k) contributions and divert the money to an emergency fund?
If you don’t save for emergencies and a major financial shock occurs — and it will — you’ll probably rely on debt to bail yourself out.
According to a Bankrate survey, only 41 percent of Americans could cover an unexpected $1,000 expense, such as a car repair or an emergency room bill, with their savings.
Among those without savings, 1 in 4 would rely on their credit cards to address a financial emergency. Others would have to borrow from family or friends, or take out a personal loan.
Depending on the situation, I have advised individuals to pause their retirement contributions to build an emergency fund. Once the person has a comfortable cushion, they can restart their contributions. I do have a caveat to this advice. If there’s not an immediate need for savings and there is a company match, I recommend contributing at least enough to qualify for that benefit.
Ideally, aim to save for a rainy day and contribute to a retirement account. To do this, try to find areas in your budget where you can cut expenses. For instance, could you eat out less? I’ve worked with individuals who didn’t realize how much money they spent on meals outside their home. In some cases, it was several hundred dollars a month.
On March 16, I shared a letter from “Mother of Three,” who lost her daughter five years ago and felt unsure about how to respond when people ask, “how many children do you have?” A number of readers wrote in with thoughtful and empathetic suggestions. I’d like to share four with you today.
I lost my beautiful, intelligent oldest son to alcoholism three years ago. If the situation is casual, I respond that we raised three boys and now have four grandchildren, including girls, a new experience for us! For many situations, that is enough information.
When conversations go deeper, I calmly say that we lost a son to alcoholism, an important fact that needs to be said. It can be an awkward moment, but I say that we have many blessings and enjoy life with all of our family and friends. – Mother of Three
Dear Mother: I like that you frame your answer in a way that feels most comfortable for you; that’s key. Also, by sharing more information when you choose to, you never know who you might help. Thank you for writing and I’m sorry for the loss of your son.
Dear Eric: I understand “Mother of Three.” I lost two adult children, my son Alan to ALS, and my younger daughter, Leslie, to advanced breast cancer, five and three years ago. I, too, felt awkward when asked how many children I have. It’s easier if I say one, but then I feel I’m negating my children who died. What I say now is, “I have one surviving child, a daughter who lives in Seattle.” Sometimes I say more, sometimes not.
Dear Mom: I’m sorry for the loss of Alan and Leslie. What I see in your answer is an awareness that sometimes we’re in a place to share more extensively and sometimes we’re not, and both are just right. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Eric: I, too, lost a child five years ago. He was 17 and suffered an unintentional overdose. Early on as I dealt with similar feelings, I decided I would never deny my son’s existence in any situation. So, when the inevitable questions come up with new people about how many children I have and what they are doing with their lives, etc., I say I have two children and one of them has passed away. Then I follow up with, “It’s OK I love to talk about him!” And I do!
His loss is as much a part of knowing me as anything you can see on the surface. I hope this helps. – Another Angel Mom
Dear Angel Mom: What a beautiful and wise point – every part of your son’s journey will always be a part of your life. I’m glad that talking about him brings you joy and I’m sorry for the loss you endured.
I have a friend who lost her son to suicide and in researching how to help I came across this idea. My friend responds by saying “I have a son who died two years ago and a daughter who is [daughter’s age] and lives in Boulder.” That way people can respond to the degree they are able. People who are not close usually ask about the daughter and do not respond about the son, and those who are closer, have a similar experience, or feel comfortable discussing it and ask about the son. – Reader
Dear Reader: This is another graceful way of navigating this conversation with truthfulness and an awareness that some different people bring in different emotions and experiences to a conversation.
I love the Op-Ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader
Washington is home to more than 100,000 Muslims who deserve to feel seen, respected and included. Yet our two major religious holidays — Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — had remained unrecognized by the state.
Too often, Muslim students must choose between celebrating Eid or attending school events like graduation. Working adults struggle to take time off or attend Friday prayers due to a lack of accommodations. This isn’t just about holidays — it’s about visibility, equity and respect.
That’s why I introduced House Bill 1434, alongside Senate Bill 5106, to grant Eid official legislative recognition. This bill doesn’t create new paid holidays; it simply acknowledges Eid as we do Lunar New Year and other culturally significant days.
Growing up, I rarely saw my faith reflected in classrooms or calendars. This bill is for students like my 15-year-old brother, who deserve to see their traditions respected in public life.
I’m honored to have Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support on this endeavor, as he signed SB 5106 into law Tuesday. Recognizing Eid sends a powerful message: All communities matter.
We’re not asking for special treatment — just equal recognition.
Real Life of an MSW 