My mother used to say that things come in threes; good news, bad news, presents, visitors, even deaths. I remember her say that if someone was in the news three times - or in three movies on TV, they would die soon. Isn't that weird? Shows how different life was in the first 20 years of TV - as there were so few channels and few movies shown.
I just go home from the third farewell service for a woman who impacted me, you, everyone - no really - EVERYONE. The gathering for Lorraine Rothman was lovely, moving, surprising. I had no idea that Lorraine did folk dancing and sang in a choir. Two weeks ago I went to the memorial for Yolanda Retter. There was so much I learned that day about her - she gave everyone a piece of her mind and, most evidently, a piece of her heart. The trio started in August with the passing of my "second mom," Gloria Klauer Neese. She was a matriarch who taught her family to love so brightly, the light of the full moon is envious.
Which each passing I find a greater sense of urgency; tasks begun but not finished. And these women were so far ahead of me; in politics, in activism, in humility. As they step away from leading the parade for the advancement of women, we move closer. We are not ready! We have not done enough. I want to shout, "Don't leave it with the rest of us!"
Three is enough now. Three must do it for now.
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