The lessons from her mother's life, and then from the leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana - these are inspiring and empowering. One of the stories that I might contribute is the story of Jimmy Allen, the former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. As you might imagine, Allen, an evangelical fundamentalist Christian, has struggled with his faith and his denomination, as well as his commitment to his family in light of his faith. He died at the hands of religious leaders who wouldn't have touched a leper on a bet. I can see the bright green strip of grass beneath the wall, and the clear blue sky above the wall, and sunlight everywhere.
Life is beautiful.
Let the future generations cleanse it of all evil, oppression, and violence and enjoy it to the full. She knew what it meant to be alive. I was particularly struck with the reading of one poem, read by an African-American child. Listening to him, his young, passionate and enthusiastic voice, while I was driving along route 50, I was moved to tears. I set down on the bank.