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A Role Model of all that is possible in life...

3/25/2015

14 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
PictureHarriet Tubman
March is National Women’s History Month, a time set apart to remember the women who have helped craft the world we know today. When I pause to look back, I am in awe of their collective achievement. There is one, however, who is particularly dear to me. To introduce her to you, I need to travel back to the 1990s, for it was then that so much changed.

I was an administrator at a university in Connecticut, overseeing multiple departments and responsible for the wellbeing of all students. Overwhelmed by the associated challenges, I struggled to bring balance into my life. The needs of family, the pressures of work, and the sorrows of marital discord pulled at my heart. But then, the unexpected occurred.

A local paper ran a story about the Underground Railroad, and its Connecticut network. In this captivating article, the writer focused on Harriet Tubman, 
an extraordinary humanitarian and abolitionist during the Civil War. As I read about Harriet and her defiant strength, I thought, “If she can do that, I can certainly manage this (whatever this might be).”

I put a photo of Harriet on my desk, and whenever I met with a student or dealt with a problem she joined me. I listened with my heart attuned to a woman who had manifested the best of human achievement during the worst of human failure. Greatness is born by the choices we make in such divides, and certainly Harriet was and is an icon of such greatness.

Isn’t it amazing how we traverse centuries through a heart-felt story? I met Harriet through a newspaper article and later, books about her life. Even though time and circumstance separated us, I felt I knew her because of simple words on a page that evoked my compassion and understanding, and then helped me with decisions I had to make. 

In a few months, I’ll be visiting the Fort Hill Cemetery in upstate New York where she is buried. As my mentor of all things possible, the one who taught me about perseverance, about justice, and about faith, I look forward to placing flowers on her final earthly resting place. And I wonder, what will she say?

Time condenses when the heart is awakened. Centuries become days through a book or a story passed down by ancestors. And so it is that we find ourselves comforted and inspired by strangers who then become friends; we might even travel with them along a path to freedom.

Today the Rave Reviews Book Club is celebrating Women's History Month through a collection of blog reflections. If you have a moment, check out the stories for you might discover new friends, and perhaps you will be inclined to join! The Club was founded by author Nonnie Jules and has a membership of over 500 authors; I'm one of the proud members. 


Picture
Map courtesy of The Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, Connecticut
14 Comments
Liz Gavin link
3/25/2015 23:38:53

Gwen, amazing post!!!
It's so hard to choose the best one today but yours is one of my favorites! :D

Reply
John Fioravanti link
3/26/2015 00:24:35

Gwen, I loved reading about your connection to Harriet Tubman - it is very moving and very relevant for women (and men) today! Good luck!

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Nonnie Jules link
3/26/2015 01:13:02

Gwen, what an awesome post! I can't think of a far better one from our history than the one you have chosen today, to celebrate. Good luck in the competition!

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Harmony Kent link
3/26/2015 01:50:23

What a lovely post, Gwen! Harriet sounds like one great lady :) Best of luck with the blog contest :)

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Beem Weeks link
3/26/2015 03:36:47

Fantastic post, Gwen. A great reminder of what strong women are capable of accomplishing. Best wishes.

Reply
Hart St. Martin link
3/26/2015 03:37:11

Great choice, Gwen.

Reply
Marcha Fox link
3/26/2015 03:57:44

Beautifully done, Gwen! What an inspiring story!

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Rebecca Reilly link
3/26/2015 05:08:35

Lovely post! Nice to meet a fellow RRBC author!

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Jennifer Hinsman link
3/26/2015 08:32:16

Great information and post! Good luck to you today!

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Cindy link
3/26/2015 08:48:01

Gwen, I forgot you were here in CT! I loved this post and am happy to be reminded of Harriet Tubman's work. Good job - good luck!

Reply
Laurie Finkelstein link
3/26/2015 11:44:08

What a lovely and inspiring post. We have so much to learn from these amazing women of the past.

Reply
Kay Rae Chomic
3/27/2015 02:53:21

Really enjoyed this blog post, Gwen. Harriet Tubman was an AMAZING woman, and we can all learn from her strength, compassion, and wisdom. Thanks for focusing on her!

Reply
John Fioravanti link
3/28/2015 03:36:33

Gwen, this is a great post - as a history teacher, I so admired this very strong, courageous woman! Thanks for your participation!

Reply
Nancy Bell
3/29/2015 10:24:32

Lovely blog post. Harriet Tubman was one of my heroes when I was growing up. Her story is amazing.

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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