Indomitable Spirit
(Guest Editorial)

I came away from a visit to Morgan Wadkins’ home in Washington on Sunday with a strong feeling that we all owe Morgan Wadkins and her family a debt of gratitude. I know they feel just the opposite, but I think Morgan has provided us with several invaluable life lessons.

First is her model of the indomitable spirit. Her positive outlook is a reminder that we have the ability to face adversity with a sense of humor and hope. Many more fortunate people are far more negative than Morgan, when they have reason to feel lucky, too.

Second is the class her family has displayed from day one. They have shown forgiveness, family unity, and shared many private moments (via updates posted online) with the world. Perhaps most difficult, they have accepted assistance from the community. This is not always easy to do, but they have done so graciously, with a sincere appreciation and understanding of the importance to those offering assistance.

Finally, Morgan Wadkins, unwittingly and unwillingly, has shown us the best of our own community. When a need like this arises, and people know how to help, they show up. We are, at our core, a generous and tight-knit community. The outpouring of support has been one to evoke tremendous pride.

—CORNELIA CESARI

(Cornelia Cesari, The Herald’s correspondent in Chelsea, wrote the page one story about the return of Morgan Wadkins to her home in Chelsea after ten weeks at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston.)