I came to this country as a single parent, leaving a large family and community and my home country on the other side of the world in order to search for needed therapeutic and medical supports for my daughter (unavailable in my home country at that time). It wasn't easy making a new life here on our own. Nevertheless, I remain grateful for innumerable graces and the countless occasions of unfettered generosity of so many who supported our life here in different and essential ways over the years.

I am committing to write 30 poems in November to honor this early part of my life and story in this country and to honor all new Americans and their efforts in building new lives for themselves and their families. I also want to honor my family and community around the world for their abiding love and support, and finally, my additional families, dear friends and communities here in America, including beloved ones I have lost through the years.

May we all, in giving and in receiving and in taking care of each other, flourish together.