At 77 years old, I don’t climb mountains with my grand children any more. I have shared my stories of the mountains I have climbed here on my blog since 2010. As I reflect on today, International Women’s Day, I share a few photos of my life and family that I treasure.
I first celebrated this day in 1991. I was working on my BA in Human Development at the time. As a Baha'i, our community was hosting women speakers at Skagit Valley College to honor International Women’s Day. In March of that year I walked downtown Anacortes from shop to shop asking for permission to put up a poster of our upcoming event. The Samish Tribal Art Store was very welcoming. They invited me in. I was introduced to the Tribal Chairwoman, Margret Greene, and Tribal Leader, Mary Hansen. As well as Faith Campbell, Tribal administrator and member of the Klamath Tribe in Southern Oregon, and wife of Larry Campbell, Swinomish Tribal member. They wanted to know all about my work with children and families. This was March, 1991. We had many visits during that spring and summer. By September I was honored to be working with the Samish Tribe as the director of their newly created preschool and parent education program. A life full of many blessings.
The years I worked with the Samish changed my life. I’m ever grateful to be a small part of their commitment to all children through the educational services they provide to the families of Anacortes. All four of the individuals I mentioned here are now passed away. I write to honor their heroic lives and to share the blessings in mine.
A child not allowed to speak for herself in school and could not or would not learn to read past elementary reading in high school. Often bullied by her teachers and peers as a young child. Went on to receive her Masters Degree in Human Development, with three specializations, at the age of 52. A licensed Mental Health Counselor. Instructor in Early Childhood Education at Skagit Valley College. Writing together for 27 years with her beloved husband, Chuck Britt, on their web site www.selftimeout.org.
Me at about 2/12 years old.
My beautiful mother and me in about 2004.
