Author Archives: Nicole

Boston’s Women’s March

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Since the day after the election, we have all been trying to figure out what we do next. It was a divisive election. So much of the progress made over the last eight years has now been called into question.

We’ve had a lot of family conversations. Together we recently watched a fantastic episode of blackish. The kids have had questions. World events have led to discussions about history, politics and family values. All good, but often hard discussions.

It’s not often that we have the opportunity to take what we talk about- especially the principles we hold so dearly- and put action to our words. Today- January 21st- we were able to do that at Boston’s Women’s March.

Brendan and I attended with friends. Brendan made his own sign and chose what he wanted to wear. His support for the LGBTQ community was demonstrated with his Pride T shirt and rainbow skirt. He chose hot pink for his hair in support of women (and added silver sparkles of course). He stood out, as he always does.

We walked to Boston Common- a place we visit often. There were so many people and so many great signs. I think no matter how much I explained it to Brendan in advance, it was still overwhelming for him to see for himself.

We stood for a long time listening to great speeches from Mayor Walsh, Senator Warren and Attorney General Healy. All inspiring. All made me proud to be from Boston. All gave a reason for Bren to ask questions and understand better how privileged we are to live in Massachusetts.

At one point Senator Warren said she would be speaking of something controversial- that “science is real.” I had to explain to Brendan that there are people who do not agree on facts like global warming. All he could do was shake his head.

In the end, the number of people and Brendan’s show rehearsal meant we missed out on the actually marching part but the solidarity of being at the rally and seeing everyone made it’s impression.

Some people left their signs and created a collection. We brought ours home. It’s hanging on our bulletin board as a reminder. This was just the beginning. Seeing all the marches all over the country and world was inspiring. Showing Brendan the pictures all he could say was, “I’m part of that!” Yes, we are.

It was an incredible day we will not forget. Proud to live in Boston. Proud of Massachusetts.

End of an era

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It’s the last week Obama’s presidency. And it’s been a tough one. From Mrs. Obama’s last speech, to the Vice President receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, to the letter to the first daughters to the President’s Farewell Address. To quote a favorite song in the O’Brien house, “How lucky we are to be alive right now.”

And I do feel lucky that our kids’ childhood was filled with so much progress and so much history. We did our best as it was unfolding to show them and talk to them about it. As they get older it is our hope they do not forget.

The tributes and #ThanksObama messages have been heartwarming and a reminder of all the little ways and big ways things have changed in the last eight years.

The other night/day I found myself awake at 3am. When the kids were first born this was quite common and I became very fond of watching World New Now (also called insomniac news). It’s a fun, looser newscast that often rotates anchors. On this particular day, Gio Benitez was co-anchoring. During an entertainment segment there was a story about popular places tagged on Instagram. Gio has quite a following (I will admit to being one of thousands). He and his female co-anchor both showed pictures comparing stories of places on the list with pictures of themselves with their husbands. It was a simple mention, a simple conversation. But it showed how far we have come that on a national network news program love is love.

Obama campaigned using the word Change. So much has changed in ways big and small for the better. And we hope that it will not be undone.

Yes we did, yes we can.

Year in review

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What a weird year.

It’s so hard to sum up the 366 days that made up 2016. Mass shootings, hate crimes, wars, refugees, a hate-filled election, deaths of great artists. The end of the year retrospectives the news compiled seemed overwhelming to think that all these things happened in one calendar year.

In our own home there were highs and lows too. For me it was figuring out what I wanted to do next career wise and then beginning at BCT. For Aidan it was preparing for the ISEE and taking the test. For Brendan it was a number of shows and going to his first auditions in New York. And for Chris is was months frustration and recovery after a concussion. As a family we made the most of time together and have thousands of pictures of this year’s adventures.

We lost friends and loved ones this year. Other friends welcomed new babies. We celebrated countless weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and important occasions. There is never enough time for celebrating and for sharing time with people you love. Every year we resolve to do more of it.

I’ll look back on 2016 with mixed emotions- some happy and some sad. I hope 2017 brings more love and more happy memories. The world could certainly use more love.