She said, 'No, you learned that you have power - power and determination. I love you and I am proud of you. With those two things, you can go anywher… - Maya Angelou

If on Judgement Day I were summoned by St. Peter to give testimony to the used-to-be sheriff's act of kindness, I would be unable to say anything in his behalf. His confidence that my uncle and every other Black man who heard of the Klan's coming ride would scurry under their houses to hide in chicken droppings was too humiliating to hear. Without waiting for Momma's thanks, he rode out of the yard, sure that things were as they should be and that he was a gentle squire, saving those deserving serfs from the laws of the land, which he condoned.

I am capable of what every other human is capable of. This is one of the great lessons of war and life.

"When you learn, teach," she said frequently. "When you get, give."