8 Comments
User's avatar
betsy mctiernan's avatar

What a wonderful reflection on boundaries. I have been a witness recently to boundaries a friend’s daughter is erecting to keep her out. We discuss strategies for how she might cross the border without a passport. I think you are right: boundaries are all about fear—even if we don’t know what we’re afraid of or have nothing to fear. Congrats to your grandson and you lucky grandparents. My only grandson is 1 1/2. I’m 76. Not great odds.

Expand full comment
Susie Kaufman's avatar

That is such a tough situation and is why, internationally, boundaries are established by negotiation (often after armed struggle). A boundary is only workable if both sides sign on to it.

Expand full comment
Frank Gioia's avatar

Truth. It's not always easy to write about, no less embrace.

Expand full comment
Susie Kaufman's avatar

All we can do is try.

Expand full comment
Carol Sill's avatar

Now you have me jumping over my barriers to say thank you to you - I'll be pondering these ideas throughout my day. Boundaries, barriers, borders, edges.

Expand full comment
Susie Kaufman's avatar

Steeplechase. I see you jumping hurdles. I'd say be careful, but not too careful.

Expand full comment
Jinks Hoffmann's avatar

Aah, Susie. Another of your masterpieces, in which most of your "highly original voice" sentences could be a Master's topic. Xenophobia, in its base meaning, is so present in humanity, and establishing the right contact/withdrawal rhythms for each of us, can be a lifetime's work. Thank for for this, and as always, your honesty.

Expand full comment
Susie Kaufman's avatar

Sometimes I look at the world, at my experience, and it all fits a pattern. Then the next day, another pattern emerges. Keeps things interesting.

Expand full comment