The normal thing to do in the last week of the year is to do a year-in-review post, but I find I just can’t. The national story of the year is Donald Trump’s election to a second term, and my personal story is that my wife died at the beginning of December. I’ve been avoiding all the “goodbye to 2024” articles, because there’s just too much to say goodbye to.
Instead, the featured post this week focuses on how the MAGA coalition (which already couldn’t produce a majority vote for Trump) has begun to splinter even before their candidate even takes office. “Cracks in the MAGA Coalition” will cover the dissension between Trump’s working-class voters and his top donor, Elon Musk. (Strange thing: If you’re a working person, the richest man in the world is not your friend.) Also: the difficulties forming a working majority in the House, and the impossible expectations the Trump administration faces going forward. That should be out around 10 EST.
The weekly summary will cover Jimmy Carter’s death at 100; Trump’s aggressive comments against Greenland, Panama, and Canada; the Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz; and a few other things before closing with an alternative to New Years resolutions. I’m aiming to post that around noon.
About my wife: Deb was a constant but hidden presence on this blog. She was a sounding board for all the ideas, and frequently called my attention to phrases or metaphors that were unfair or would unintentionally offend some readers. She was my tireless cheerleader, who often encouraged me to take on topics that seemed impossible to cover adequately by the end of the week.
And finally: About a month before she unexpectedly died, the photographer at our godson’s wedding captured an expression that I saw often, but which had never managed to make it into photographs. May you all someday have someone who is still looking at you this way after 40 years.
The Weekly Sift 
Comments
Thank you again for all that you do. I have been reading your blog for at least 14 years. It is one of the joys of a Monday morning. Thank you so much for sharing about your wife, Deb. Sending you healing light.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Deb was amazing and the world (for all the insanity you write about here) was a better place for her in it. She was amazing.
I can only imagine the loss you are feeling [compounded by the onslaught of bad news about horrible people being horrible] as my husband is also my dearest friend and I have an inkling as to what I will feel if he dies before me. I imagine that all your readers hope that your remaining family and friends are able to sustain you – as you sustain many of us.
(does that make sense? I hope that made sense)
So very sorry for your loss, Doug. I’ve been reading the Sift for over a decade and always look forward to your insightful analysis as we enter each new week, and while mentions of her were scarce I always suspected Deb was the unsung hero of the blog. Love and support to you through the grieving process.
Thanks for continuing your writing, Doug! I’ve appreciated your sift for years.
And – Deb was an amazing person! I loved how she championed the Lexington UU Women’s group back in the 90’s, where I first met her. She brought Incredible perspective there too… So so sorry for your loss 💛. I’m so glad you have that picture…
Sally
Oh Doug, you have been a lucky man. I love the photo of Deb and her
clear enjoyment of being with you especially after so many years. I’m
so glad someone captured her in this candid photo! You are in my
thoughts and hope that soon, your memories will bring you solace.
Best wishes,
Lisbeth Whitney
Warren, Maine
Wow, what a picture 😚
Deepest condolences, Doug. She sounds like she was an amazing woman.
Sincere condolences… what a great picture. I love how you referred to her, and tacitly show us that you loved her. – Alan Harkness, Columbus, GA
Thank you for the beautiful photo. May her name be a blessing.
Lovely photo. Again, my condolences.
What a great picture! and a beautiful, abundant life. Thank you for sharing, and for carrying on her generous heart.
Hi – I don’t remember how I found you but I’ve enjoyed reading The Weekly Sift for a few years now and have often sent your articles to others when I found them particularly clear and explanatory on important issues.
But I mostly wanted to say that I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife. She looks so happy in the photo you posted and I believe that says a lot about both of you. I’m wishing you strength and courage to deal with all the emotions and tasks that you’ll probably continue to face for some time.
Thanks very much for keeping me informed and better able to understand what’s happening in the world. I wish you some sort of peace and happiness in the new year.
Mary
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Thank YOU, for your many years contributing to the unwinding of confusing, sometimes noxious headlines we all are exposed to.
The photo is a much needed reminder for everyone young and just recently not so young that in our ever-modernizing world, the concept of love that is everlasting and selfless, is available to all who are open to it.
So sorry for your loss. And so happy that you enjoyed so many years together.
Thank you for all you do.
The greatest gifts you get are having someone look
Sending you love and warm fuzzies Doug.-Sheri
Doug, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. I have gotten so much value from your blog and have told friends and family about it. I’m not surprised to hear that your wife helped make the WeeklySift such an invaluable source of free, clear-headed information and analysis. I will continue to be a devoted reader of your blog as long as you are willing and able to write it. From now on I will think about your wife every time I read the Sift.
What a lovely photo! So sorry for your loss and sending best wishes for the new year.
What a wonderful joyous photo of your wife, showing how much you meant to each other.
You were a team.
Very sorry for your loss.
Your weekly insights help provide a little brightness in a dark world. I am sure your wife did the same for you.
such a sweet remembrance.
Mr. Muder,
Your comment about your wife is so poignant! Indeed, we all need that endearing look. Such love is a rare treasure. May your heart be filled with such memories.
Marvin O. Fretwell 11357 E Posada Ave Mesa, AZ 85212 mofretwell@gmail.com 360-607-7174
You were a fortunate man and you have my deepest sympathy. Judith
Doug
we met on the porch at Starisland.Org about 7? Years ago as you were reading everything about Mrs Clinton so that your blog would be fully informed
I have read you weekly since
so sad to read of your loss and I always assumed she was a rock of your writings
my genuine sympathies
David Mills,star island,Danvers and Provincetown
I love your comment about your wife’s joyful expression. Thank you for a ray of sunshine in today’s blog.
Such a delighted expression, and how wonderful that someone captured it for you.
I did have some one like that and he died at 89 last Monday. So I feel the losses mine and yours.
Glad to see the photo of your late wife. It is a great blessing to have a partner/wife with whom you can have those wonderful moments and enjoy supporting each other. In our mid 80s, we are completing year 22 and will take all we can get. Keep up speaking your truth. If I were 50 years younger, I’d rerun the French Revolution and send Trump and his facilitators to the Bastille or the guillotine. Lan Mosher
I’m sorry for you’re loss. I hope time will heal the wound.
Gorgeous! So glad I got to meet her as we watched Trae Crowder in Boston. I loved talking with her. The light of her love for you shines through. ❤️
Shirl Morrigan
may you always remember the years with your wife with a smile!
My condolences on your wife’s passing. Having lost my own “soulmate” and husband, I can relate. May you find peace and joy in the many wonderful memories you must have made together.
Deb had a wonderful smile and I’m so glad someone captured that for you to treasure along with your memories of her. Thinking of you both.
My condolences. A widower myself, I know how keenly you will feel this loss.