Howard Zinn: 1922-2010

We lost two literary giants in the space of a few days, J.D. Salinger and Howard Zinn, both of whom had a powerful influence on my view of the world and my teaching career. In the preface to People's History of the United States, Zinn said that he chose to  focus "not on the achievements of the heroes of traditional history, but on those people who were victims of those achievements, who suffered silently or fought back magnificiently." Patricia Sullivan of the Washington Post wrote an article outlining Zinn's philosophy, quoting Zinn: "There is no such thing as impartial history.  The chief problem in historical honesty isn't outright lying. It is omission or de-emphasis of important data." Rest in peace, Howard Zinn.

Memorial

I recently attended a memorial for a former colleague, and this arrangement reflecting her and her family's interest was at the foot of the altar in St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A former high school English teacher and college counselor, she, her children, and grandchildren vacationed for many years at their privately-owned island in Canada. The canoe, paddle, and simple floral arrangement were perfect statements about her interests.

A Memorial

The entrance to my neighborhood supermarket usually has one of its foyers decorated with holiday schemes. I was stopped in my tracks recently when I saw these photos beneath a holiday tree. Both of these men were loyal employees and both met a tragic death. Too young! Too young!

In Honor of Abigail Taylor, Age 6

No, I haven't returned from my winter stay in Mazatlán, México yet--not until the 30th of March, but I learned something today that has filled me with sorrow. This beautiful child who lives in Edina, Minnesota died in an Omaha, Nebraska hospital Thursday night, March 20. "Abigail was injured when she sat on a pool drain, and its powerful suction ripped out part of her intestinal tract on June 29. She underwent transplant surgery in December at the Nebraska hospital to receive a new small bowel, liver and pancreas." (Home:Omaha News) No, I don't know the child or the family, but I was filled with horror when it occurred last June and have followed the ongoing story. As a mother and now a grandmother of a little girl the same age, I have been deeply affected by this tragic incident and the terrible impact on this family. I grieve for them. For more information, click here.

ADDED LATER: I received this message via email on Wednesday, March 26th:


I live in Abigail's neighborhood in Edina, Minnesota, and our beautiful city's streets are lined with thousands of luminaries in honor of Abbey tonight. Her visitation was at a local funeral home, and afterward, her family felt the support of this community as they made their way through Edina's neighborhoods amidst the thousands of lights shining for Abbey. It is beautiful and touching. Abbey's life and death have affected so many ... and her light shines bright tonight. She won't be forgotten! Thank you for caring ...