August 22, 2026

by Dr. Plastic Picker

I don’t write/blog as much about our oldest. We are headed up today to drop him off for his last year at UC Berkeley. He’s 21 now and very much an adult. He could graduate early but will stay the full 4 years at school, and will finish his BA in Psychology and he added on a Creative Writing minor. That he added back writing into his studies, his father and I are so happy.

I’m so proud of him. Mr. Plastic Picker is very much Korean, and always worried about his son. His way of loving him is worrying about him. And he worries and worries and worries. He doesn’t worry as much about our daughter, because in Korean culture the girls are not as important (which is unfortunate but true). Korean fathers worrying about their Korean sons. This is the story of my life. I just watch my husband worry.

But I told him last night, that it’s so easy to love our oldest. He is filled with love, joy and light. He had an amazing summer which felt twice as long as previous summers because he had so many adventures. We traveled together to Europe and met some important people and connected. Then he trekked with his uncle and his good friend from Toronto on a epic 10 day journey through the Swiss alps. Our son told me, “Mom. I’m in the best shape of my life.” So it was fitting that this was the summer, he did this physical task when he is at his healthiest. He celebrated his 21 birthday party at home with a houseful of friends that cared about him. He was joyous and celebratory. He studied and did the academic work that he is supposed to. He was creative and launched some new independent projects. He thought about his future, and made new connections. He asked people he trusted for advice. He did climate projects and his part in the work our family does. And he was present in the life of so many people that he cares for.

He loves and is so loved. And that is why Mr. Plastic Picker, you should not worry so much. Plus I’ll work every day of my life to make sure he continues to have joy and to protect and nurture him. I will work every day for our world and our climate, because he is in the world, until my body decomposes. And that is the truth. He is also my climate why, why I work so much for this beautiful world of ours.