This letter was in response to a challenge I was given to speak about climate change in terms that Mother Earth would speak to her children.  Here is my response…

To Native Americans, the Deer is a symbol of gentleness and unconditional love.

My dear child,

As a mother, sometimes one of the most painful experiences can be having to impose radical consequences upon your own child. But, after giving warning after warning, it is time to do so. Your actions have endangered and caused irrevocable harm to our family system. Time and time again, I sent you messages and warnings to change your behavior. I even suggested ways that this could be done. But you wouldn’t listen.

I understand, as a child, pleasure seeking can be part of your nature. But, when it has become an irrational addiction, it’s time to set boundaries and kick you out of the nest to learn and grow into adulthood by experiencing the consequences of your own actions. I tried to keep you safe for as long as I could, but after witnessing the destruction and demise that has been inflicted upon the entire family because of you, I will have to step back and let you figure things out on your own.

My duty as a mother includes caring for the entire family and knowing when the actions of one member may be damaging to the other members. Right now, I have to do what I can to re balance our family system. This pains me because I don’t know what it will take to get you to your bottom so that you will be forced to change or whether you will be able to survive. I will have to pray that it works out for the better for all of us, but know that sometimes this isn’t the case.

A good mother does not enable her child to continue to be dependent without responsibility or to live in a way that is harmful to others. You might have to experience homelessness, starvation and many natural disasters. You may have to go within yourself to find the strength and stamina to endure. Your toys and distractions will be the least of your worries at that point and hopefully you will look to your peers for healthy support and connection.

Be well, take inventory and make the necessary changes that you need to so that you can come back and be a healthy, inclusive part of our family. I send you out knowing that I might not be able to see you again. And, it breaks my heart.

I will be loving you all the while…

Mother Nature