On the morning of January 4, 2009 shortly after I had been sworn into office of Mayor, I visited my new office at the borough building. To my surprise, someone had left me a gift! This gift might have made some people angry and perhaps that was the intent, but of course the interpretation would be based on the values and beliefs of the recipient of the gift! I decided since it was a new year, to follow the advice of an old cliché. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I turned the lump of coal, (my gift) over and over in my hand and was overwhelmed with a feeling of déjà vu.

This lump of coal reminded me of another time in my life when I was the “new kid on the block” and was taunted, teased and bullied on a daily basis. I realize humans are resilient to change, but change does occur and it must be embraced, but usually with resistance. I went to the mine each day, since I had no choice this was my living; but I dreaded each day more and more. I kept hoping for a miracle and sense of belonging, but it took several months for this to occur. Women were not welcome in the mines and perhaps this may be true to some degree of public office, but I knew then as I know now; sooner or later I would prove my worth. It happened one afternoon when a miner was trapped in a roof fall on the haulage of the mine. I provided care for this miner, regardless of the danger lurking in the roof above and his life was saved. This was my day of acceptance! It shouldn’t take a life or death situation to gain acceptance, it only takes an open mind to realize that harboring anger produces negative energy. I will keep this gift to remind me of the struggles I have overcome throughout my life that has made me the person I am today. Thanks to the voters for believing in me!