My trips to see the girl …

Routine helps.

When I am feeling weary, frustrated and tired, I force myself to take an eight-block walk from my home to get a glimpse of the girl. There are some days I make this walk 5-6 times a day.

This beautiful piece of outdoor art represents so much to me. The loveliness of mixture. The hanbok makes me itchy, bringing me back to my childhood when I was forced to dress up in one.

The girl’s expression sometimes looks sad, often hopeful. It hasn’t been lost on me that it’s a mirror of what I’m likely feeling.

This week, when I saw Kamala Harris take the oath to become Vice President, I couldn’t help, but think of the girl.

I look forward to taking these walks in a lighter mood, thinking of what’s possible versus how I’ll cope and help prevent a breakdown as we wait for healthier and happier times.

Kamala, Amanda Gorman and all the women in my life filled me with hope this week.

A step forward, but two steps back in these heavy times where the system makes it tough on us caregivers.