“If everything you offered was not enough, offer your absence.” ~ Mario Benedetti
dolly Dolly
I don’t care how bad a day or week or month I’ve had; one hour at the Appalachian Center with my people and I leave feeling like a million bucks. This afternoon was the center’s traditional Fall semester welcome gathering. We all forgot to take pictures until it was nearly over. We were a small but mighty crowd left to represent the houseful that had been there just minutes earlier, but they are some of my favorite people in all the world. I’m pretty sure it was a balm for Kathryn, too, who is still reeling from the loss of Dolly. She loooooooves Dolly, and was bereft at her passing two weeks ago. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating that much goodness comes out of the Appalachian Center; support, guidance, a safe harbor for students who may be first-gen Appalachian students, App Studies students, or really, anyone who may need an open, supportive door at the University. At the Appalachian Center, every student finds an enduring legacy of kindness, acceptance, faculty support, and the freedom to think and be just as they are. I admit I may be biased, but IMO, the University doesn’t always value this shining star the way it ought to. We’re exceedingly lucky to have it and the faculty and staff that make it run. God bless ’em for all the support they’ve given me and hundreds of other Appalachians over the last 50 years. Here’s to another 50.
girl gang +1
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