Hey all, can you do me a favor and recommend this diary at Daily Kos? Many thanks! -Elisa
I am back from a week away east to attend my aunt's funeral and visit my grandmother, who just had a stroke. Not a good week, but can I say how wonderful it was to see my family?
I must have hugged my grandfather for at least a couple minutes. A cousin who came to the funeral from Puerto Rico, my sister and two of my deceased aunt's children all went to the movies together. We were inseparable. My only regret is I wish I had more time with them. Also, I did not get to see my father's family who was literally in the next town over in Pennsylvania. But I was there only two days.
My (paternal) grandmother is confused right now. She recognized me and was delighted. We had wonderful conversations. But when it was time for therapy, she could not remember anything; not even her birthday or the town she lived in. I was bummed. But at least I will get to see her again next month as I plan to return to New Hampshire with my husband and kids.
I just wish I lived closer to my cousins in Pennsylvania and even found myself looking at online real estate listings. It was irrational as we already own a home in California and our lives are here. But I was nostalgic for the breathtaking scenery and my childhood memories there, seduced by the cheap real estate -- folks, we are talking about nice homes for under $100k! -- and a promise to my 8-year-old cousin that I would remain a part of her life. I do plan to return with the kids, but it realistically will not be for another year and we will crash with my family to spend as much time with them as possible.
Overall, it was a good trip, but not nearly enough time.
I am delving back into work and wanted to alert you of a serious issue here in California. (One of many, of course!) But last Tuesday, a bill that would have helped rid baby products like high chairs and bassinets of toxic flame retardants barely eeked out of the Assembly environmental committee. Senate Bill 772 was supposed to easily pass because, I mean, who wants cancerous carcinogens in their nursing pillow?
But the bromine chemical industry misled some members of the African American and Latino communities to believe these chemicals actually saved lives in their communities. It is a cynical ploy as low-income and minority communities are more likely to suffer the ill effects of these chemicals and not have the money to purchase high-end products without them. Plus, deaths due to fires are actually on the decline thanks to education and smoke detectors -- not the 6 to 12-second resistance provided by chemical flame retardants.
But the state-mandated chemicals in furniture have been linked to a host of illnesses, including cancer, thyroid problems and reproductive health problems. Because manufacturers are loathe to create multiple lines to fit the needs of different states, most likely, families in other states are laying their babies to sleep in products with this toxic foam. So this is not an issue limited to California.
I plan to attend a hearing for the bill at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) at the capitol building in Sacramento. Please join me if you can!
Also, if this issue is important to you, please contact any of the legislators below:
