#125 - Don't Like Saying Good-bye

​John Lewis 
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This is what greeted me on the news this morning. It's a sad day.

We knew it was coming. Rep. John Lewis has been battling cancer for a long time. But, it was a surprise when I heard that he had died last night.

Then and Now

​This masked image of Mr. Lewis, is a reminder that he has been active, even in these pandemic times.

The photo from a month ago, shows Mr. Lewis standing on the street in D.C., supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. At age 80, he was challenging discrimination and injustice, just as he has done since he was a very young man. 

Photos with Family

Only in this last decade, have I begun to read and learn more about this powerful, yet humble civil rights icon. My brother and my son, both had a chance to meet him, at separate events, a few years ago. 

Scott was volunteering at the Civil Rights Summit, in Austin. It was the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

​"March"

This morning, I pulled out the book that Scott bought at the the Summit. He had it autographed for a Father's Day gift.

I sat with my toast and coffee and read the story of John Lewis, starting when he was a boy. I smiled when I imagined a young John Lewis, gathering chickens on their family farm and preaching to them. There was less to smile about as the book progressed. But it was good to be reminded of what John Lewis dealt with, a half century ago.
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June 16, 2020

I found this photo on my phone, from last month. (I have a habit of taking photos of my TV.) In June, there was talk about renaming the Pettus Bridge, where John Lewis marched with Dr. King, decades ago. ​

Today, I added my name to a petition to change the name. Edmund Pettus was a member of the KKK. That name needs to go.

Hopeful
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8 years ago, Don and I visited Selma. We took photos of the bridge and read more about the history. I'm missing road trips right now and all that we learn from them. 

I hope that by this time next year, the pandemic will be in the past. I'd like to think we'll be back to our road trips and museums and gatherings with friends and family.

​I'd like to take another trip to Selma. I'm hopeful that we'll see the words,  John Lewis Bridge, when we cross!
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