A Living Legend

Two weeks ago, I got to embark on an experience of a lifetime. I met a celebrity..or at least saw one. No, it wasn't Justin Timberlake or Madonna (though, either of them would have excited me). I met a legend, someone whose life has impacted millions, whose words have inspired countries, and whose legacy shall not be soon forgotten. She is a famed activist, poem, scholar, and spokesperson. Can you guess who I saw?

Miss Maya Angelou. Excuse me, the famed Dr. Maya Angelou.

Yes..and you can not imagine what a surreal joy it was. There I was, sitting with a couple hundred people in a crowded auditorium on Ohio State's campus staring up at one of the most influential people...ever. Dr. Angelou was seated during her speech, shrinking her six foot frame to that of a woman half her size. She looked frail and tired due to her senior age and bouts of sickness. But when she spoke...man-oh-man! Her voice was so robust and full of life.

She began by telling the audience how she had longed to come to Ohio (ha!), she then recited some poetry I hadn't heard before and recounted some of the highlights of her life. Listening to her speak, was like being a bee drawn to honey...you couldn't look away (nor did you want t0). Her lyrical voice held you in rapture, whether she was laughing discussing being called "ugly" or recounting painful childhood memories. I sat there thinking, "This woman...this woman...she is the real deal." Being in the prescence of greatness, can be an amazingly wonderful thing.

The most powerful message, I took away from the speech was one of immense hope. Dr. Angelou told us to, "Not let anyone stand in the way of your liberation." She encouraged us to read more, take things to memory and to forge ahead in whatever ventures we would like. She spoke of a "If-he-can-I-could' mentally; telling us that great men have accomplished great things..and none of them are any greater than we could be.

Sadly, we as an audience, were made all too aware of Ms. Maya's declining health. She wore what appeared to be a brace on her arm. She would forget where she was in her speech and pause and stray to another subject. She did not stay to sign autographs or take pictures. The overrall length of the speech was shorter than I had hoped. Nevertheless, it was a lecture I wouldn't have missed for the world.

To be a light for yourself, is to be a light for others...and Dr. Angelou knows more about that than most. After listening to her, I was encouraged that I will indeed find some direction in this sordid thing we call life. Until then, I should continue to build my wealth of knowledge and continue to attempt to be, "a rainbow in somebody's cloud". Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou, for being a rainbow in my cloud that cold February day.