Maya Angelou was a mixture of grace and strength

Maya Angelou was a rare mixture of grace and strength. She had a certain aura that commanded a room. Her poems and books gave us glimpses into the soul of a well travelled soul. Not just in the number of miles her feet threaded upon, but in the experiences that shaped her life. She made us not only feel her journey but she helped us understand her truth. When I read of her passing I felt the sadness usually reserved for blood, but Angelou made us feel as if we all shared a bloodline. She was that mother, grandmother, aunt, family friend who always knew what to say when life rose up and slapped you. She would comfort, encourage and admonish. She made us feel like her children and most of us have never been in a room with her. She had a God-given gift and we will miss her “hugs” as we continue our own journey.