
In a few hours, I will have the privilege of handing my daughter her diploma during Vassar College’s 161st commencement. The ceremony will be live-streamed, starting at 10 AM EST (7.30 PM IST).
The title of this post comes from a short-story by Grace Paley called “Friends.” A woman is dying from cancer and her friends have come to visit her; these are women-friends who are mothers of children who grew up together. As readers, we understand that this fact is the root of the friendship between the women, this fact like a bond of solidarity that they share. When the women come into her room, the visitors “solemn and embarrassed,” the one who is dying, her name is Selena, says to them, “O.K., first things first. Let’s talk about important things. How’s Richard? How’s Tonto? How’s John? How’s Chrissy? How’s Judy? How’s Mickey?”
She is talking about the kids.
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