Monica (Champa) Griffin

Post date: May 6, 2013 9:01:38 PM

Dear Ms. Graetz,

I was a high school classmate of Kathy's at Westerville. Kathy has shared your wonderful achievement with me recently and I wanted to send my heartfelt congratulations and deepest respect. Just reading these pages is an amazing journey through a life well lived and richly spent in service to others.

Few of us can imagine the hardships that you and your family have endured, a life put on hold and disrupted so often, your lives in jeopardy, in order to do the work that so desperately needed to be done, and sadly still does, from civil rights to human rights. Some women talk about 'having it all', but I don't think a fraction of them could *ever* have accomplished all that you have, let alone with such obvious strength and grace.

Many of us talk about what needs to be done, but so few really set aside their own desires to do them. You truly are an inspiration, a woman much to be admired and emulated. One can only wish for the world that could be if we all were like Jeannie Graetz.

I sincerely hope this message from a stranger finds you surrounded by your family, with all the love you've given the world coming back to you in celebration, and deeply deserved reward. Thank you for all you've done and are yet to do. I totally bow to your wow! Namaste. :0)