At a very young age, I figured out that my gender and skin would try to limit my access to my full potential through the judgement of others. I began to look for inspiration around me to prove that escaping that fate was possible. I continue to look for that inspiration in the people around me every day. Rose would have not known this, but she is prominently placed in the well of strong, capable people from which I often drink. This world will constantly deplete us of all the wonderful things poured into you by the people God places in your path. We must stubbornly and ravenously continue to drink to stave off thirst.

Rose,
Thank you. I am grateful for all the things you poured into me by just being who you are.