February 10, 2025
Happy Birthday Rhys McGovern



I just returned from a funeral and sitting here thinking about my day I realize I had several special things happen over the last 14 hours or so.  One was i ate lunch with a young woman, trans, who had interesting insights about her role in her community and complications that came up for her daily.  I'm sure it was easier for her to tell me, a complete stranger, but I was taken by what she had to say and encouraged her to write about it.  She asked me if I was a teacher.  I guess it's written on my forehead.  I hope she does write.





The second special thing that happened was that I was chosen by A Queen's Narrative, a blog for women's voices to be a writer for them in the Spring.  They sent me some ideas about what my post might be about.  One of the ideas is the importance of telling your story, and another had to do with writing as healing, both subjects dear to my heart but when you know the third special thing that happened, you'll know what I'll have to write about.



The third special thing that happened today was I attended this funeral that marked a sudden and terribly sad passing of a woman who just turned 60 and had all the signs of 40 more years of life.  La Wanza and I met in the early 1990's I believe. We did several things together in those days at GCC.  In this picture, Amber Ortiz has brought La Wanza's great nieces, nephew and her own daughter up to the microphone to say something about their Aunt.   Her great nephew is telling us that La Wanza is still with us and will always be there.  Made me smile so hard.  La Wanza worked tirelessly to be the voice for people who had none, but she also worked hard to help people have voice.  Here is a group that is showing that the work works and is so important to do.   
The other thing I got to witness was the strong claiming of emotions, witnessing and embracing sadness in its strength and glory. Grief as an accepted state.  I got to witness this and know my own strength within it.  

People mentioned the development of Martin Luther King Day celebration at GCC several times tonight.  There were a lot of people in the room who worked hard to bring the college along in recognizing a day of service for a man who taught unity, kindness and equality.  It makes me proud to know I was part of that transition at that college and that I worked with such wonderful people.   I got to really feel that tonight.  RIP La Wanza.  You left many who will carry on, thank you.  
   

Kind of like the moon.  Strong, glory, lighting up the world in its entirety   



 

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