We will never forget how she made us feel

As I wrote here yesterday morning about a little girl who is making a difference, I heard the news on the radio of the passing of this great woman who made a difference throughout her life - Maya Angelou. I immediately looked at her facebook page where her son Guy Johnson had already posted a message.

 

"Dr. Maya Angelou, the statement read, "passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love."

 

Ever since reading those words I have heard tribute after tribute from friends of mine, from people on the street, and from people in the highest places.  Dr Angelou was so special a person that we ALL know who she was and we ALL loved her.  Talk about making a difference in this world!

 

I was fascinated reading all of the many quotes attributed to her.  Among my favorites is "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  I also like "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

You already know that she was an American author who published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, movies, plays, and television programs and several books of poetry. You already know her as an activist, public speaker, Television personality, and Grammy award winner.  Did you know though that she dropped out of high school here in San Francisco to became the city's first African-American, female street car conductor?

 

We will no doubt hear over and over the many accomplishments of Maya Angelou in the days ahead and we will hear the tributes of those who have known her and those who have loved her.  One thing that really strikes me though, she really was one-of-a-kind.  We will certainly never forget her because her legacy will live on in her many writings and readings, and in our hearts.  We will never forget how she made us feel.