During the second half of the 20th century, Emily Muir had more effect and influence on this island than any other individual. She thought globally and acted locally. Her enduring energy, drive, creativity, steadfast principles and vision left indelible imprints on the public, economic, environmental and personal life of our community.
Look around; see and feel. Emily is everywhere. There is a roadside tree she paid to have planted. Take a hike on a woods trail or an island she preserved and put in the public domain. See the fisherman walking along the dock who can swim because of a program she ran or supported. Go to the high school to see the results of the art program she inspired and initiated. While at the school look around the building she helped conceptualize and listen in the classrooms to see taught the educational philosophy she helped institutionalize. Stop in at a public or private building to see her art depicting people and activities of the Island. Visit the library to borrow one of her two books. Paw through old records to find her name listed on every imaginable board and committee. Then dig further to find mention of all the financial contributions she made to support various causes, groups and individuals in the community. Ask any one of hundreds of people on the Island-from her caregivers late in life to any of those who worked, served and interacted with her-about their take on her special spirit. You might hear words from the heart, like the following from me.
Emily, in word and deed, you have inspired me to be more, to be better. You have given me a wonderful balance-mentoring to excel, then impatience when I didn’t. Your consistent convictions and courage to live them have been a constant example for my personal striving. Your generosity of spirit has paved a path for me to grow on. In your ability to be both stubborn and reasonable, you have shown how to make both personal assets. Your joy of life and basic simplicity have not been diluted or diverted by your achievements. You have been a model for my children. As an activist and later as a columnist, you always stimulated public discourse.
I miss your presence. But I will cherish and try to live up to your legacy.
Nat Barrows edits the weekly Island Ad-Vantages in Stonington, where this column originally appeared.