Alongside every great man is a great woman

I realize the saying begins "behind every man...." but not for me.

Yesterday I attended my first scholarship luncheon where the student recipients meet their benefactors. I was not a recipient, nor a benefactor, but a table host. At my table were three incredible women. These women, two in their late 70s and one in her 80s, are widows of men who taught at the university. Each of these ladies has an incredible story to tell, not only that of their husbands, but most definitely their own.

These are not ladies who stood in the background. Each one pursued her own dreams, graduating from college with honors, one in chemistry, one in journalism, and one in economics. These are women who raised families and pursued their own careers while giving support to their husbands own careers. These three ladies all still live on their own, are involved in their community, and make it a point to attend university functions, as well as other events. These ladies, to quote one, "will not go quietly."

One of the women spoke of her understanding for student support, although she still has her receipt for payment from one of her semesters at WSU. The cost? $48.19. She graduated in 1948.

One spoke of the need to carry on her husband's love for research, "he lived and breathe research, " and her own curious need for knowledge. 

The last spoke of how she just enjoys hearing all the stories of the students, because that was what she and her husband always enjoyed the most. The stories.

Great women. I could only hope to aspire to such heights, to achieve and give so much in return.