[Mpls] A Story of Courage and Service

[Dorothy Titus]

For Vanessa,

No, I'm not running for office.  I was not trying to single her out as 
someone with super human abilities.  I was filled with admiration for 
her and how she is handling this tragedy, and I wanted both to put a 
human face on the tragedy and, hopefully, light a bit of a fire under 
some who talk about what others should do to solve the problem.  As you 
said, she has been active in the community and been the kind of 
neighbor we all would like to have.  She is committed to her community. 
  I believe we all need to be inspired by stories like hers.  I 
apologize, Vanessa, if I somehow offended you in writing this.  I did 
indeed ask her permission to tell the part of her story that I told.  
She agreed.

Dottie

On Mar 8, 2005, at 10:22 AM, V.L. Freeman wrote:

Hello List!

Dottie Titus says: I've found a new friend in my community, someone who 
is awesome in her courage and commitment.  And I can't help asking the 
question: If this woman, in the midst of her grief, can still want to 
give back to her community, aren't there others out there who can give 
just a little more of yourself, of your time, of your resources, to 
help those in need.

Vanessa say’s: First of all does this mother, whom I’ve known for quite 
some time know that you have done a report about your visit? (Are you 
running for office too?) Secondly, This mother has been active in the 
community for many years. Doing what others did not want to, taking 
care of others children, when they did not take care of their own 
children. Oh, yes, and as far as I’m concerned, this mother is not new 
to community, the community is new to knowing and finding out about 
what those of us that do know her has already known for a long time, a 
very sweet lady, willing to give her all.

Innovation, everyday entrepreneurship, and creativity are the aims of 
collaboration."

Vanessa L. Freeman~Hawthorne