Inspired: Marcy Eason & Eva Jo Johnson

Dear Eva (known fondly as Eva Jo),

Where to begin? Writing to you about the many ways you inspire every day presents a huge task. On the one hand, limitations of time and space make the letter a bit challenging. On the other hand, putting into words description of your character and character traits comes easily.

Wordsmith. An accomplished writer. A poet. A published author. Award-winning educator who initiated discussions of race and equality as a teacher decades ago. A passionate advocate for what is right.

A teacher who is constantly a student. Quiet and competent; confident not just in yourself but in those around you. You treat what could be challenging as a learning experience. You have been described as fierce and fearless, unbought and unbossed.

Some see you as an activist. I see you as an active leader – engaging others to make positive change through unity.

With your delightful sense of humor and verbal observations you lighten the mood: you bring laughter to serious, potentially intense situations, deflecting tension, and initiating productive discussion.

Life is hard. Losses are heartbreaking. Through your experiences you teach that one cannot be tentative about life. You comfort.

Faith and family and friendships are key in your life.

Being around you is uplifting – hearing stories of you, a single parent, putting yourself through college. Special education teacher. World traveler who volunteered instead of simply traveling through. You inspire as a model to show handling challenge by looking at opportunity, not defeat.

Guided by courage and humor and love. Forward-looking. Complex, yet simple. Ageless. Timeless. Refined, but sassy.

Definitely, unapologetically dope.

Looking forward to our conversations and next adventure.

– Marcy