Uplifting stories to heal the spirit
So much focus on controversy, catastrophes, tragedies, death and destruction is downright depressing. Here are a few uplifting stories that inspire.
1. Thelma “Awra” Bolling — a beautiful spirit that will always shine.
When you read my sisterin-law Awra’s gofundme. com page, set up by her beloved son, Justyn Mayo, you instantly feel her generosity of spirit and compassion.
One day, after an exhausting round of chemotherapy, she saw a man wheeling his baby in 104-degree New Mexico heat. She knew something had to be wrong. She stopped to help and found the man and baby fairly dehydrated. Their car had run out of gas. Awra and her brother Yom made sure they got water, filled gas cans, took them back to the car and gave the family her last $20.
A breast cancer survivor for 30 years, she remained humble and grateful, meeting her many challenges with a few triumphs.
She was a Joslin Diabetes celebrant for surviving 50 years with the chronic disease. In August, however, the breast cancer came back with a vengeance. She let go of a failing body and held on to her son and family and the love and light that always surrounded her. Her celebration of life will be Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. It will be as she had always been, filled with “Happy Happy Joy Joy,” her favorite saying.
2. Keeping the dream alive — the Martin Luther King memorial.
With the recent release of the five finalist artist renderings that can be viewed online at mlkboston.org and publicly at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building (2300 Washington St.) and the Boston Public Library (700 Boylston St.), there’s an excitement that is palpable. Of all the renditions, I like two that create a sense of place and atmosphere and exude a spirit of connectedness, like the “Avenue of Peace.” I think we could all use more connection to each other during these challenging times. The memorial project takes great care to connect Dr. King and his wife, Coretta, to the African-American community through interactive learning tools designed to teach the values the Kings espoused and to encourage leadership for generations to come.
Mayor Marty Walsh should be applauded for his wholehearted embrace of this opportunity from the start, first, because of the Kings’ universal message of peace and equality. He also saw an opportunity to spruce up the one of the nation’s oldest parks, the Boston Common, which is sure to be fit for the Kings.
The price tag for the MLK Boston memorial is estimated at $10 million and is expected to be completed in a year or two depending upon the final selection. Currently, three local heroes have stepped up to the plate contributing $1 million of their own money; Paul English, the memorial’s driving force; the Lewis Family Foundation; and Demond and Kia Martin, who will co-host the upcoming star-studded King Legacy Night gala on Oct. 16, featuring luminaries like Harry Belafonte and others who marched with King, and celebrities like Earth, Wind & Fire, Esperanza Spalding and Taylor Dayne.
There are many ways, large and small, to contribute to what will be heralded as a world class memorial — Boston style.
3. Memorializing excellence — Massachusetts Broadcast Hall of Famer Karen Holmes Ward.
Only the best in the industry are inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. On Sept. 20, my friend Karen Holmes Ward, producer/host of WCVB’s “CityLine,” was inducted after 40 exceptional years in the business. Treasured in the community, she is not only the best at chronicling communities of color but also covering the issues and people who make up the fabric of the city. She volunteers her personal time to countless charities and causes, including the upcoming “Funny Women ... Serious Business” benefit luncheon for Rosie’s Place on Oct. 16. What may not be so well known is the partnership she created with her station and the community at large that helps provide resources to upgrade schools, playgrounds, shelters and most recently the Dimock Center men’s rehabilitation facility.
A shout-out to WCVB General Manager Bill Fine, who maintains high community standards and programming like “CityLine” when some in television management seem to be cutting back.
And to Karen, who lost her husband just three years ago: Forrest is looking down on you and applauding with pride. We all are.