I can so relate to this. My own dad passed away just two months ago, and his mind stayed sharp until the end, which was sadly expected because of advanced COPD.

Well I am very progressive politically and he was quite conservative, we always — all our lives — found issues to agree about. But for the last three years or so, we had to completely stop talking about politics and current events.

Ironically, he didn’t even support Trump. He passionately wished for Trump to lose the upcoming election. But his reasons for wishing were so different than mine that discourse became too painful.

I hope that a post Trump nation will allow people to come more together again, but given the cautionary example of my father, I am not overly optimistic.

Even without Trump’s corrosive and divisive presence, we have our work cut out for us.

Thanks for your beautiful article, and I’m wishing all the best for both you and your father.