More letters of Recommendation for my mom

I know, some people would say, "Cindy, stop looking at this stuff," but I have nothing else to do and it makes me feel like something can get somewhere.

Sales jobs---that's the only thing I can apply for, and when my mother was my age, she had only been in education, from the moment she started out till, in her own way, she left on July 12, 1994. She had been involved in Science and she had been involved in education most all of her life. And she had saved money. She had saved money instead of doing this, and that, and something else, and time on getting an education. She was at the top at 34, and she was at Hall Junior High, being respected. ( i haven't done the math exactly but I think that is where she was)

And where am I at the point where she was, at 34? Sitting on a bed in Franklin, OH---wondering how I'd get the tree in the front yard trimmed if it needed it---what would I do if something bad happened with the tree? What would I do if....I know they say most the of the Ifs in life don't happen but I've had all the Fearful Ifs happen to me so far---SO FAR---

I just wondered if she were alive today, would I have a blog about her and what happened to her and having her in the spotlight, her name cleared through a film--honor through a film--still be such a burning passion. I saw people on a stage, when I was in high school, not believing she was going to die, but I think something happens after a person dies---their life becomes more impressive. She accepted it. She accepted it well, but I still have that dream.

I feel this is the only thing I can do well, right now---defend a woman whose case was over 20 years ago, and has now passed on. I feel it's the only thing I can do well. I can research. I know how to research.

Mrs. R was the Supeintendent of Schools in Harlan County Kentucky, where my mom, Bernice, was from, and my mom had Mrs. R write to Mr. Hot and Cold/Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde a letter in 1977, when she started having problems with him, I guess.

She also wrote letters of appreciation.


"March 2, 1970

Miss Bernice Boggs
Hall Junior High School
Grays Knob, KY

Dear Miss Boggs:

You don't know how thrilled I am that you hav started the Hall Junior High School students participating in the Harlan County Science Fair. I was delighted with the fine projects and the interest you have aroused in this worthwhile event at Hall Junior High School. No one knows better than I the amount of work and effort that has gone into this venture on your part. It is greatly appreciated by all of us. Many thanks again. Mrs. R."

"Miss Bernice Boggs
Box 475
Loyall, Kentucky

Feb. 23, 1971

Dear Bernice,

Just a note to express my sincere appreciation to you for the fine job you did directing the Harlan County Science Fair for the 1970-71 school year. To date, I have not heard a single criticism. This speaks well for the foresight you had in seeing any possible problems and taking care of them the day before the fair..It was especially nice of you to make arrangements for young folk to eat at the Harlan Appalachain Regional Hospital ( wish I knew what that was about---it must have been something good for the time and place even though it sounds a little strange) If there is anything you want me to do to encourage your two little boys from Cranks---please call me ( Cranks is section of Harlan). When I think it has taken years for Cumberland to make the showing they did this year--I am sure Hall will do equally as well wiht a little more practice. Many thanks again for your cooperation, Mrs. R."

Those were just appreciation letters but this one made me cry---especially when she talks about demonstration---I know that's how my mother probably and did teach. I know---I never saw her in the classroom, but I know and always knew that's how she would have done it---that's how she taught me---makes me cry.

I tried reading the letter to my aunt and could hardly get through it. This is the one to Mr. Hot and Cold/Jecky/Hyde--I guess so he could try to change his mind about her. I think I see today, the errors of my ways maybe having something to do with her having to hide this.

"Mr. Hot and Cold/Jeckyl and Hyde
_________Junior High
_________, OH

Dear Sir:

Mrs. Bernice Boggs Taylor taught in the Harlan County system from August 25, 1969 through May 31, 1972. At that time I was in and out of her room many times working with her as Director of the Science Fair. She was one of the most competent, effiecient and cooperative teachers I have ever worked with. I never went in her room but what her children were working and her lessons were planned as though she was giving a demonstration lesson. She is of good moral character, extremely hard working, cooperative with the Administration and her fellow teachers and interested in the individual child and his progress. I can unconditionally say she did a superior job as a Science teacher in the Harlan County Schools. If I can be of further service, please let me know.

Sincerely, Mrs. R
Superintendent"

She had no voice---she tried and she spoke but it's as if the world had turned off their hearing. She had no voice, no way out of what happened. There was an opinion or a notion and that's the way it all "went down" She was backed against a wall. I wish I had been able to do something.

Cindy