Sheila Lee 7/20/49 - 10/12/21

Today is tough, as I remember my late mother, Sheila A. Lee, on her birthday. The pain of losing her to Covid-19 on October 12th, 2021, is still fresh in my heart. My mother was not just a parent but my biggest confidant, champion, and cheerleader throughout my childhood and young adulthood. Her love and support shaped who I am today, and I carry her legacy with me in everything I do.

As the second year of Bridging Legacies Across Campuses Virtual Meet and Greet approaches, I find solace in gathering in the community to discuss its vision and mission. This initiative holds special significance for me as it reflects the values my mother instilled in me from a young age. Her passion for positively impacting the world and empowering others resonates deeply with the work I aspire to do as a son, father, husband, and educator.

The memory of my mother's unwavering encouragement serves as a guiding light as I navigate life's challenges and triumphs. Though she is no longer physically present, her spirit lives on through the love and compassion she shared with everyone she knew. On this day, I honor her memory by rededicating myself to the causes she held dear and by striving to be the best version of myself.

As I carry forward her legacy, I am reminded of the importance of community, support, and connection. Bridging Legacies Across Campuses offers a platform to foster these values, allowing us to unite and create positive change in the world. Through this gathering, I hope to find strength, inspiration, and a sense of belonging, knowing that I am not alone in my journey to make a difference, just as my mother never let me feel alone in anything I pursued.

In remembering my mother on her birthday, I choose to turn this day of sorrow into an opportunity for growth and action. I will cherish her memory, drawing strength from her love, and using it to fuel my commitment to the causes we both hold dear. As I reflect on her impact on my life and the lives of others, I am determined to carry on her legacy and continue the work she started, leaving a positive mark on the world as she did for me.