Dear Rhoda,

[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]We miss you already. You were one of the good ones. [/speech_bubble]

[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]For my young self, and many others, you were a great role model. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ]From you we learned that you need to keep going no matter what, and to express yourself in the face of change and adversity. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]That women can be strong, independent, fashionable, and still have moments of self-doubt. And that they don’t have to be good cooks or housekeepers. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ] I always felt your sarcasm and cynicism masked a profound belief that people are good and the universe is kind. Even though your apartment was smaller than hers, and your job wasn’t as stable, I felt you were much more optimistic than Mary was. Hmmm, maybe that’s because you had to wiggle and claw your way through life. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]Just re-watched the end of the episode about your wedding. Phyllis was supposed to pick you up but she forgot, so you took the subway to your own wedding. You, girl, got shit done. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]Watching the show through 50-something-year-old eyes, those messages still resound. Maybe it’s even more important for us to hear them now. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ] Now, because the older you get the more difficult it is to carry that energy and determination every day.[/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]You start carrying everything and everybody. And you hit the wall. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ] So we have to imagine what you’d say, Rhoda. How would you deal with too many demands, an unfulfilling career, misogyny, and a world spinning out of control?[/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]Probably pretty much the way you always did. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ] By finding that one piece of you that’s true, keeping it alive and letting it tell its story, in whatever way it can.[/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ] Writing, singing, decorating windows. Maybe marching in the streets.[/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]Persisting as a keyboard warrior. Writing op eds. Telling your truth. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”b” icon=”cooch.jpg” name=”Cooch” ] Bloxting once in a while. In your honour, Rhoda, this bloxt’s for you. RIP. [/speech_bubble]
[speech_bubble type=”ln” subtype=”a” icon=”bast” name=”Bast” ]With love, TFC. [/speech_bubble]