From Fortress to Gazebo: a prescription for divided America

I didn’t know how she would respond. I feared the worst but couldn’t let that stop me. I had labored over my last blog post, mostly pruning the many-limbed tree of my ideas around Donald Trump as a Cult Leader. But I couldn’t publish it until I saw her in person.

Face masks in hand, we air-hugged and started walking. A gentle breeze off the Hudson River swirled around us as we shifted from brisk walking to ambling along wooded paths. As kin, our conversation pivoted with ease: there was so much to talk about: kids, mom, our other sisters. We skirted hot topics.

When she called her husband about dinner logistics, I knew our time was running short. I took a breath and said I needed to change topics.

“You and I have different political views,” I start, “and you know I have a passion for cult awareness education.”

With a quizzical nod, she says, “Yeah, so what?”

“Well, I am about to publish an article that includes my views of Donald Trump as a cult leader and…,” I pause. I can’t read her expression but my throat clenches. I force myself to continue. “I can’t bear the thought of losing you over this.”

Her response brings me to tears — then and now.