I live and write on Lingít Aaní, and gratefully acknowledge the past, present and future caretakers of this beautiful place, the Jilkaat Kwaan and Jilkoot Kwaan.

Caroline (now three) and I took advantage of the weather and cleaned my closet yesterday. About halfway through the sorting, tossing, Salvation Army pile, and dusting, I said this was a terrible mistake. “We will never finish. What was I thinking, Caroline Cooper?” She sighed. Put her hands on her hips and said, “Mimi, relax. Just relax.”

(She never has to say that to Pearl.)