There was an eighth grader in the backwoods of East Texas
who thought she was destined to stay there until her English teacher introduced
her to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She read that book and
realized that the author was from Stamps, Arkansas -- a town that was right down
the street from her. At that point, she knew that it was possible for people
from the country to do great things.
That girl grew up to become a woman who's lived almost all
of her dreams. And although she never laid eyes on that author, she DID get a
chance to tell her how her work affected her life. The author was gracious when
she didn't have to be, and taught that girl another lesson in how to handle
praise.
As the tributes pour in for Dr. Maya Angelou, I hope
that she passed away knowing that her life made a difference. Especially to me.
RIP to one of my first heroes. Our world is a better place because she was in
it.
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