Umair, you have crystallized what I have been thinking / dreading about for months. I have seriously considered leaving this place, my home permanently for another nation. Besides the issues of money, no passport and that this geographical home every year since the fires came in 2017 (upcoming 2020 fire season) this has been home.

Being physically disabled — in constant pain doesn’t help much either. But as Ishmael Reed once wrote: “writin’ is fightin’.” I’m here for the long-haul despite my foreboding and the upcoming strife.