“The road to enlightenment is long and difficult, and you should try not to forget snacks and magazines.”
~ Anne Lamott
I had a chance to do an oral history with Erin Chandler. She’s a real trooper for being my guinea pig. You might recall that she’s in town for a while, so we’re making the most of it. This was just the first of 3 or 4 oral histories with her. She’s had quite the life. We could conduct a ton of oral histories with her and she wouldn’t run out of stories.
I’ve known Erin for several years now, and she never ceases to amaze me. When I think of someone emotionally strong and resilient, I think Erin (she probably wouldn’t call herself emotionally strong, but she is). When I think of someone who makes the most of whatever life throws their way, I think Erin. Her cousin Whit once told me, “She works every day to be happy.” And she does. She never stops learning. She never stops trying to be a better person. What more could anyone possibly ask for in a friend?
Just outside the studio is Stacy Yelton and Crystal Heis’ office space. They had scanned a book called “The People’s House: Governor’s Mansions of Kentucky“. Erin rifled through the pages and found several photos of her mom and dad. In case I haven’t mentioned it, her grandfather was Happy Chandler; two time governor of Kentucky and the Baseball Commissioner that desegregated the game. Obviously, there were pictures of her grandparents in the book as well. Today’s interview centered on Erin’s early life which very much included her grandparents, so it was sweet that this book happened to be around. Crystal said we should take a picture of Erin and the book. I ran for my camera, hearing Crystal in the distance “This better not end up in the outhouse.” I couldn’t help myself. Forgive me Crystal. The picture is just too sweet not to post.
Leave a Reply