Courage

What I essentially did was to put one foot in front of another, shut my eyes and step off the ledge. The surprise was that I landed on my feet.

Katherine Graham

What does an art exhibit poster and a quote by Katherine Graham have in common? Absolutely nothing. Other than, it’s been another challenging week and I am comforted by thoughts of warm weather and spring flowers. I am rereading Katherine Graham’s inspirational autobiography, Personal History. Which explains the quote.

Things have a way of serendipitously falling into my lap. The topic for our March bookclub is women in journalism. The Katherine Graham book has been sitting on my bookshelf. I bought it when it was first published in 1997. Despite the daunting 642 pages, I knew I would reread it, eventually. Just after I decided to read the book. The CBS show, Sunday Morning did a piece about a Prime Video documentary, Becoming Katherine Graham. I was reminded of a movie, The Post, about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers. This occurred during Graham’s time as publisher of The Washington Post.

Consequently, I have spent the past week immersed in the captivating life of Katherine Graham. Thrust into a world she was not prepared for. She overcame her insecurity to become, arguably the most powerful woman in America. Age did not deter her. She died at 84, while attending a conference of business leaders.

During a time in the history of our country when many mornings I want to pull the covers over my head and not wake up until the crisis is over. Her courage gives me the inspiration to move forward with a belief that what is just and equitable can still prevail.

Peace be with you.