Grateful

Several weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few days in Boston to do a TV interview and several radio interviews for “Smell the Raindrops”. The weather could not have been more idyllic—perfect autumn foliage and crisp air—the smell, the colors, the frigidity, brought back many fond memories of my college days.

My dear college friend, Mark, who has been such an advocate and cheerleader for “Smell the Raindrops”, put together a dinner with friends of his who were touched by my book and wanted to meet me. I was truly honored by this. But the truth is I was the lucky, grateful one. They each had a story, some such tragedies that I cannot imagine having to live through. Two have beaten cancer twice, and now give back by volunteering their time with cancer patients. Their eyes exude gratefulness and joy for life. One lost both her sisters at early ages, and today puts on an annual event in their memory. One is an exceptional artist who, I hope with my encouragement, will get the confidence to exhibit her profound, thought-provoking works.

We all have a story. We can all learn from one another. We can all learn to love more. It is never too late. 

The Quiet Fighter

Harriet Elisabeth Beecher Stowe (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896), American abolitionist and author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, holds a special place in my heart for two reasons. One, she lived for two years at 63 Federal St. in Brunswick, ME, now known as the Stowe House and owned by Bowdoin College, my alma mater. Her husband, Calvin, was a Bowdoin graduate and held a teaching position there from 1850-1852. Harriet even wrote portions of her iconic book in Maine Hall, my dormitory freshman year! And two, and most importantly, she was a fellow ”quiet” fighter for the equality of African Americans. Though our lives are separated by two centuries, we are “sisters” in our core beliefs, values shared regardless of time and place. 

Harriet came from a highly religious family. Her best-known novel, “Uncle Tom's Cabin” (1852), depicts the harsh life of African Americans under slavery. As a novel and play it reached millions, influential in both the United States and Great Britain. It energized anti-slavery forces in the American North, and provoked widespread anger in the South.

Harriet Beecher Stowe knew that each and everyone of us can change the world, no matter how small our actions may seem to us. Thank you Harriet for your inspiration!