From the fire to here.

Year 18 of the 20 year project.

Youngblood's birthday is this week. So, a little progress report.

He's lovely. Creative, open, kind, compassionate, sensitive. He swears fluently, isn't afraid to wear a dress, and loves hair products. I couldn't be happier or more proud. These last two years have been tough. He's a trouper.

This is the best thing I've ever done.

Terror on Elwood Av

Last night, I saw someone set a fire on my neighbor's deck. After a quick call to 911 I got everyone in my house. Firetrucks, Police and Navy command swarming all over. The guy had called my neighbor earlier to tell her he was going to do it and then later to report that he had heard her daughter screaming. Today he threatened to kill her. Tense.

Here's the good part. We got to know our neighbors a little better and the young ones found out they had more in common than they knew. Another neighbor had cooked a roast and brought it here to feed everyone. In the midst of all the chaos, community. Safety. Warmth.

They're safe. He's still out there. I'm looking out of my windows more than I ever have.