Farewell to a pioneer

She stood resolute her whole life, against every voice that warned her to mind her place, stay in her lane, or to manage her expectations more realistically.

She ignored the naysayers, not because they were wrong, but because she knew no other way to live life. Each milestone merely a place to take a deep breath and look ahead.

She climbed mountains others declared off limits to her ilk, then looked around for a new mountain, a broader sea, or darker night to conquer.

She refused to climb over or drive through others in her path, instead dragging them along with her, encouraging, and cajoling them, to reach deep for inner strength and hope.

She accepted accolades, prizes, and trophies, graciously, then put them in the attic and moved on. She quietly declared they were never the reason.

She acknowledge her past and it's pain and struggles, but never became their victim or slave. Instead she used them as incentive and motivation.

She rests now, in well deserved peace, covered in honor and glory. Her battle may be over, but her legacy will shine forever. She lives in all of us. We are her legacy.

She.