By SHAELI KERSEE
shaeli@du2.byu.edu
I went to a funeral in September, one I didn't think I'd be attending this year. The funeral was for Florence Griffith Joyner.
It was Saturday morning when I sat on the piano bench in the house of this wonderful woman, athlete, friend, citizen, role model and family member. The time is past due to give this remarkable woman the justice she deserves.
Many knew her as Flo-Jo -- the fastest woman in the world -- but there is much more to her than this. Joyner was a designer, actress, author, artist, business woman, speaker, licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, sportscaster and charity spokeswoman. Most importantly, she was a friend, wife and mother who gave unconditionally and unselfishly.
Flo came straight from the housing projects of South Central Los Angeles. Her environment growing up did not stop her from accomplishing her dreams. Her dreams were persistent; even at the age of 38 she had dreams -- big dreams. All of her accomplishments were because of her philosophy: 'I believe in the impossible because no one else does, and that gives me an excellent chance at accomplishing it,' she said.
Flo-Jo's awards and honors number many, and the people she influenced are countless. Her concern for others made her a normal person, not a celebrity. The beauty she possessed on the inside radiated brightly on the outside.
This is a woman who represented us all in many ways. As her brother, Robert T. Griffith III, so perfectly put it, she was 'a champion of the people.' She was a mother to many and always gave. She began the Florence Griffith Joyner Youth Foundation with her husband Al Joyner. This is a non-profit organization helping America's youth set and follow their dreams.
Joyner never represented the American people as something negative, so why is the media representing her so negatively? This woman deserves every American person's respect and praise. Everyone seems to be so curious as to how this physically fit athlete died.
Let me explain that it was not steroids that took her to a higher level of excellence, it was determination, discipline, hard work and most importantly faith in God.
It is true Florence was not like anything anyone had ever seen. Her stamina was out of this world -- she was an original. Why the media must automatically find scandal in her death I do not know. I must agree with my uncle, Bob Kersee, who said jealously is what has brought on allegations about steroids.
Let me describe the funeral through my eyes: a proud family member of this remarkable person. I stood outside the church with my family, looking at her daughter Mary, who is only 7 years old, wearing her pink dress and pig tails in her hair. She was so composed. Her classmates and gymnastics team came and embraced her.
People attended from many walks of life. Once again, it showed her extensive influence on all people. I was surrounded by Olympic athletes and world-class citizens.
This was not a sorrowful funeral, it praised the life of Joyner through music and words. The chapel rang with gospel voices. It was more like an inspirational ceremony instead of a funeral. It made you want to become a better person, to live as she lived.
The ceremony felt as if it was the 'passing of the baton' from her to us. We all knew she would not want us to continue to live in sorrow, but in celebration, to continue her legacy.
On behalf of the family of Florence Griffith Joyner, we give thanks to all who have praised and looked up to her. We shun those who have attempted to destroy her image. Her legacy cannot be destroyed. As Bob Kersee said, 'the dangerous sting of the media can no longer hurt her.'