Maya Angelou didn’t know this then, but she probably knows it now, that her influence spread far and wide, by simply speaking her words aloud and lying them down on the path for others to pick up and use….sometimes wave like flags of freedom.

Maya (I feel close enough to her energy to call her by her first name) was first introduced to me  in my early twenties through a book I had purchased at a garage sale, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”  I was so intrigued by the title, but I was more intrigued by her transformational story of turning a tragedy into triumph.  From there ever after, my ears perked up each time I heard her name or heard a quote.  I collected her quotes on calendars and notebooks and other wonderful items.  I devoured her words like substance to nourish and encourage my soul.

In 2007, I wrote a poem to her.  I had told my daughters of her triumphs and used her example of courage and overcoming to assist them through some difficult times.  You can read that poem Ode to Maya here.  What’s interesting to me, is that the week before she died, I felt compelled to post it on her web-site without knowing she was suffering physically.  My heart must have known.

Fast forward to my 50th birthday party.  There once was a time I thought I would dread this day, but my friend Barb had a most amazing day, and she and my husband convinced me it was a right of passage that I should celebrate to the max!  As a matter of fact, Joe, my husband, reminded me that some of the women who changed the world did their best work after 50. 

Here’s how I celebrated: 

For my childhood years, we had Big Red soda, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and board games. 

For my teenage years, we danced and ate fast fun food.  Though some of the music didn’t exist from my teen years, it was fun to dance and do

For my womanhood, I read a two poems from Maya, Phenomenal Woman, which encourages a woman to truly be herself, and Still I Rise which encourages women to rise from their deepest darkest depths and walk boldly.

For motherhood, moms told their favorite mom stories.

And lastly, my husband crowned me and I went through an archway representing all the lovely women who had gone before me whom had changed the world.  Joe made a powerpoint of these women, including Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou and other amazing women all over the world.  He believed, like I believe, that we all have the power to move and change the world.  Maya was there at my party.  Her spirit permeated the cards I was given and the books and the quotes I received, for my friends all knew how much she moved me and called me to action. 

What this amazing woman proved to me was that one woman, one man, CAN make a difference.  We do it every day by owning who we truly are and BEING who we truly are meant to be.  ~Nemaste my friends and love to you dearest Maya and family.