In memory of Lola Maertens Dragoo - June 14th, 1953 - January 16th, 2020 I wrote and shared this message at her memorial on January 19th, 2020. Our mom's story is one of reconciliation, forgiveness, and love. You see, her life was one full of strife, abuse, and survival for much of it. And it was also full of joy. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, Carrie and me, and Tayler and our mother, were often apart, more than together. We did our best to stay in touch through visits, phone calls, letters, emails and texts over the years. Our mo is one tough, stubborn lady. She found out in 2002 that she had breast cancer. She beat the breast cancer and participated in many Relays For Life, and became an advocate for others who were fighting cancer. She was often a source of inspiration and hope for others facing the same battle. I learned this during our unexpected stay here in Monte. She also served as a source of hope and inspiration for her friends who migh...
Ain't No Mountain High Enough Photo is a student of mine that is a future Griffon with the incredible principal of Winnetonka! Dr. Johnson! :) After finishing two powerful days of equity and inclusion training with 56 of my colleagues in the North Kansas City School District, I wrote the following poem. I have participated in several equity/diversity trainings and I have led numerous trainings on the topic. My dissertation is on this topic. It is my area of research. It is close to my heart. And yet I was transformed further after these honest conversations with people I hold dear. Let me just place this poem I wrote, right here. More to come on this. Mountain View Sitting so pristine in my whiteness at the top of the mountain A mountain I didn't even have to climb I get the luxury of feeling comfortably numb and I have permission not to cry I'm looking at white faces reflecting back to me more whiteness While my friends of color listen in, watch, calculate an...