A Gift of Peace from Fredie

By Mary MacElveen

April 28, 2011


Over ten years ago, I started to write op-ed pieces for those who had no voice within the world via the Internet; meaning the poor, and the powerless. This led me to meet an incredible woman named, Fredie via emails. Her spirit mirrors mine when it comes to politics. Yes, we are both liberals. Do you have a problem with that? If so, tough!

Our first time meeting was at the anti Iraq War rally which took place on February 15th, 2003. Joining us was our dear friend John Schwam who has written numerous pieces on mountain top removal in the Appalachian Mountains. Fredie from time-to-time sends me emails of issues that do concern her and in some way, I bring them to a larger audience.


When I started my writing, I thought this was my path in life to become a famous journalist. These ten years later, I ask: Is being famous all that important and the answer is no. Trying to be famous is just one’s ego speaking and if one chooses to be the voice of those less fortunate, ego gets thrown out the window. With me, it is all about letting the story be the story. It is not to bloviate, but to bring light to those who read my pieces on the suffering of others.


Lately, I have not written columns due to personal reasons and perhaps God will direct me when the time is right for me to continue my work. At this point, I work as a part time cashier for a grocery store. It is a job that I am grateful to have, because in these tough economic times, there are many without. In my job as a cashier, I am living the real economy. When people have to put food items back because they cannot afford them, I feel their pain because anyone of us can be them.


In the world of journalism, the legacy of one’s writings can lead to winning the Pulitzer Prize. Well today, from my dear friend, Fredie, I received the peace prize. She sent me a pair of earrings with the peace symbol dangling from them. I was deeply humbled.


In her note to me, she wrote in part, “I want you to have this pair because no one speaks up for peace like you.” I shall wear them proudly.


Fredie, you have no idea how great your gift was to me especially at this time.