My Mom died this morning (11/22). The daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, she was the first woman in her family to attend college, where she majored in Political Science. A restless advocate, she was arrested in North Carolina in the early 1960s protesting for civil rights - an event that cost her husband patients of his dental practi…
My Mom died this morning (11/22). The daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, she was the first woman in her family to attend college, where she majored in Political Science. A restless advocate, she was arrested in North Carolina in the early 1960s protesting for civil rights - an event that cost her husband patients of his dental practice, and that angered her older relatives, who might have been jailed or worse had they committed an act of civil disobedience in the old country. She was an acknowledged leader in the field of contextual therapy, the goal of which is for people to speak and relate to each other directly, rather than deflect and act out in response to disagreement or conflict.
She watched with horror as Trump was elected. She couldn't fathom that the America her family had fled to, and that she had fought to make more equitable, could be usurped by those with no respect for law, for non-whites, for non-christians, or for the political process that had grabbed her attention as a student. Every time we spoke she'd ask, "is there no one who has the integrity to stand up to him (Trump)?"
She would have had the back of a young person had they been trying to effect political of social change to better the lives of fellow citizens through ardent efforts of public debate and building coalitions to run candidates for office and to petition elected officials to start representing all of their constituents. She would have had no time or tolerance for a Charlie Kirk who propagated lies and sought to denigrate those who didn't agree with his his myopic and regressive agenda.
She was the proud mother of a son and two daughters who took for granted the ability to select and attend top colleges and pursue careers that wouldn't have been possible for immigrants 100 years ago. She and my Dad were doting grandparents of my sons, the older one an established artist and entrepreneur, the younger of whom worked the phones for Obama at age twelve, graduated top of his high school class, edited the Islamic Studies journal at Boston College, and worked to fight human trafficking with the NY District Attorneys office.
She finished a fifth book four years ago and spoke at international forums. It saddened me that she struggled to recover from my father's death nine years ago. The week before the election I was able to visit her in person for the first time since March, due to coronavirus restrictions. I asked if she had voted. She nodded and said she couldn't wait "to see the bastard kicked out." I'm grateful she was able to see that maybe, just maybe, the country and politics she loved might not have been permanently degraded by Trump and self serving conservatives.
Thanks for sharing this experience with us, and a special thank you for prompting these memories for my family.
Scott and Family, sending heartfelt condolences to you. Your tribute to your mother is so moving, and I know, right on. I am very sorry to know of Barbara's passing. May I can add that your mother's life and work touched thousands. It continues to guide my own profoundly and uniquely. As I've said, even to her, some days I don't think I've had an original thought, I continue to credit my mentor: I am forever deeply grateful to Barbara Krasner. May her memory always be blessing!
Just getting to read Heather’s letter, after learning the transition is finally starting officially. I’m willing to bet your mom had something to do with. I hope she’s sipping tea (or something stronger) with RGB. Sorry for your loss 🙏❤️
Scott, so very sorry for your loss. My dad died in March at the age of 96. He was a lifelong FDR Democrat, a vocal and vigorous critic of injustice, racism, and oppression and he loathed the people HCR refers to as "Movement Conservatives" who have stolen our political system and are holding it hostage. My heart is with you.
Linda, Im sorry for your loss, too. My parents would have loved this forum, this group of caring, thinking Americans that Professor Richardson has brought together.
Marcy, see my reply to Jeanne Doyle above. Your activism isn't always clear to us as kids but we usually come around! As a 10-12 year old I was sometimes resentful of her, feeling like she valued unknown Black people over her own kids. I grew out of that soon enough, but even as a largely unspoken concern on my part, it caused a fair bit of friction. I think your kids will grow to love and admire your activism!
Condolences on the passing of your mother who it seems was an extraordinary individual who clearly instilled democratic and moral values, critical thinking skills, and a respect for education in her children and grandchildren. The world and our society will miss her and the many others like her. We all hope the light she brought to the world will continue to brighten it through her children and grandchildren.
Thank you sir. We like to think we've acquired and developed the skills to manage and succeed in an uncertain world. It's clear, and not just from the last few years, that as sorely tested as those skills and values might be, we return to them rather than take the easier path of allowing our interactions to sink to a lower, cruder, and less productive place.
Scott, what a beautiful tribute to your mother, no wonder you are proud of her. I am sorry too for your painful loss. I am so glad you were able to visit her before she died and I love her comment!
What an accomplished family! What a person! What a story! I’m inspired by your mother’s example to better activism in my remaining years. And, when you write of her feelings when Trump was elected, I am reminded of the published reactions of Philip Roth. He was as eloquently horrified as your mother, but died before he could see Trump rejected by a too-slight majority of this country’s citizens. That your mother made it to see that moment is such positive karma. Sending condolences. Thank you for sharing her story. ❤️🤍💙
What a beautiful & moving tribute to your Mother. My Dad has been dead over 25 years & at times, I still keenly feel his loss. That your Mother has passed her heartfelt convictions on to your kids is truly the mark of a well lived life.
Thank you, Scott, for telling us about your mom. What a beautiful tribute! I love that she was an activist, obviously resilient and keen. I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your children carry so much of her in who you are now.
Thanks, Jeanne. Living with an activist wasn't always easy as a kid in a white working class community. It took me some time to fully appreciate what drove her and what she felt constrained her. My younger son, in particular, has exhibited a similar focus and energy on issues that grab his attention.
Scott, your mother was a remarkable woman, her wisdom and resolve will carry forward through all whom she touched. May her memory be a blessing and give us strength. Aleha ha-shalom,
Thank you for sharing your mother's wonderful story. Your family represents the American that I remember, of which I am so deeply proud. My heartfelt and deepest sympathy are extended to you and your family, Mr. Krasner. May God bless and watch over you all.
Scott, your accomplished mom imbued you and your siblings and I'm sure inspired many with her values, and she will live on in your hearts and in your deeds. I wish you comfort at this sad time. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace and in power.
Thank you for this personal sharing. Your mother sounds like an amazing woman whose influence will continue to spread through you, your family and all who knew her. Peace!
Scott, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I hope that her memory sustains you and gives you comfort. Please note that it is not only activist’s children that sometimes find their parents endeavors difficult to live with. My mom was stubborn and “unique” in many ways that made me nuts. But now looking back I realize it was part of the imperfect mosaic that we all are. God bless you and your family.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Scott M. Krasner. I'm glad she lived long enough to see the beginning of this administration's end. Her story and point of view will continue to be relevant in her chosen country. Thanks for sharing her journey.
My Mom died this morning (11/22). The daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, she was the first woman in her family to attend college, where she majored in Political Science. A restless advocate, she was arrested in North Carolina in the early 1960s protesting for civil rights - an event that cost her husband patients of his dental practice, and that angered her older relatives, who might have been jailed or worse had they committed an act of civil disobedience in the old country. She was an acknowledged leader in the field of contextual therapy, the goal of which is for people to speak and relate to each other directly, rather than deflect and act out in response to disagreement or conflict.
She watched with horror as Trump was elected. She couldn't fathom that the America her family had fled to, and that she had fought to make more equitable, could be usurped by those with no respect for law, for non-whites, for non-christians, or for the political process that had grabbed her attention as a student. Every time we spoke she'd ask, "is there no one who has the integrity to stand up to him (Trump)?"
She would have had the back of a young person had they been trying to effect political of social change to better the lives of fellow citizens through ardent efforts of public debate and building coalitions to run candidates for office and to petition elected officials to start representing all of their constituents. She would have had no time or tolerance for a Charlie Kirk who propagated lies and sought to denigrate those who didn't agree with his his myopic and regressive agenda.
She was the proud mother of a son and two daughters who took for granted the ability to select and attend top colleges and pursue careers that wouldn't have been possible for immigrants 100 years ago. She and my Dad were doting grandparents of my sons, the older one an established artist and entrepreneur, the younger of whom worked the phones for Obama at age twelve, graduated top of his high school class, edited the Islamic Studies journal at Boston College, and worked to fight human trafficking with the NY District Attorneys office.
She finished a fifth book four years ago and spoke at international forums. It saddened me that she struggled to recover from my father's death nine years ago. The week before the election I was able to visit her in person for the first time since March, due to coronavirus restrictions. I asked if she had voted. She nodded and said she couldn't wait "to see the bastard kicked out." I'm grateful she was able to see that maybe, just maybe, the country and politics she loved might not have been permanently degraded by Trump and self serving conservatives.
Thanks for sharing this experience with us, and a special thank you for prompting these memories for my family.
Scott and Family, sending heartfelt condolences to you. Your tribute to your mother is so moving, and I know, right on. I am very sorry to know of Barbara's passing. May I can add that your mother's life and work touched thousands. It continues to guide my own profoundly and uniquely. As I've said, even to her, some days I don't think I've had an original thought, I continue to credit my mentor: I am forever deeply grateful to Barbara Krasner. May her memory always be blessing!
Jane, thanks so much, you were a big part of her growth. This comes at a strange time for all of us - imagine a Zoom ceremony! Hope you are well.
Just getting to read Heather’s letter, after learning the transition is finally starting officially. I’m willing to bet your mom had something to do with. I hope she’s sipping tea (or something stronger) with RGB. Sorry for your loss 🙏❤️
Mary Beth, she would've been thrilled that you think she was behind getting the GSA to finally act!🤔😀👍
Scott, so very sorry for your loss. My dad died in March at the age of 96. He was a lifelong FDR Democrat, a vocal and vigorous critic of injustice, racism, and oppression and he loathed the people HCR refers to as "Movement Conservatives" who have stolen our political system and are holding it hostage. My heart is with you.
Linda, Im sorry for your loss, too. My parents would have loved this forum, this group of caring, thinking Americans that Professor Richardson has brought together.
Your dad lives on in you!
As a mom, I hope my children have wonderful activist memories of me. Lucky you! What an example you had.
Marcy, see my reply to Jeanne Doyle above. Your activism isn't always clear to us as kids but we usually come around! As a 10-12 year old I was sometimes resentful of her, feeling like she valued unknown Black people over her own kids. I grew out of that soon enough, but even as a largely unspoken concern on my part, it caused a fair bit of friction. I think your kids will grow to love and admire your activism!
Thank you, Scott. 💙
Condolences on the passing of your mother who it seems was an extraordinary individual who clearly instilled democratic and moral values, critical thinking skills, and a respect for education in her children and grandchildren. The world and our society will miss her and the many others like her. We all hope the light she brought to the world will continue to brighten it through her children and grandchildren.
Thank you sir. We like to think we've acquired and developed the skills to manage and succeed in an uncertain world. It's clear, and not just from the last few years, that as sorely tested as those skills and values might be, we return to them rather than take the easier path of allowing our interactions to sink to a lower, cruder, and less productive place.
Scott, what a beautiful tribute to your mother, no wonder you are proud of her. I am sorry too for your painful loss. I am so glad you were able to visit her before she died and I love her comment!
What an accomplished family! What a person! What a story! I’m inspired by your mother’s example to better activism in my remaining years. And, when you write of her feelings when Trump was elected, I am reminded of the published reactions of Philip Roth. He was as eloquently horrified as your mother, but died before he could see Trump rejected by a too-slight majority of this country’s citizens. That your mother made it to see that moment is such positive karma. Sending condolences. Thank you for sharing her story. ❤️🤍💙
You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of your dear Mother. What a beautiful life! You've written such a great memorial to her.
What a beautiful & moving tribute to your Mother. My Dad has been dead over 25 years & at times, I still keenly feel his loss. That your Mother has passed her heartfelt convictions on to your kids is truly the mark of a well lived life.
Thank you, Scott, for telling us about your mom. What a beautiful tribute! I love that she was an activist, obviously resilient and keen. I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your children carry so much of her in who you are now.
Thanks, Jeanne. Living with an activist wasn't always easy as a kid in a white working class community. It took me some time to fully appreciate what drove her and what she felt constrained her. My younger son, in particular, has exhibited a similar focus and energy on issues that grab his attention.
Did she write about social justice issues? What was her name?
Jeanne, not so much as about the therapeutic process she practiced. Dr. Barbara R. Krasner.
Scott, your mother was a remarkable woman, her wisdom and resolve will carry forward through all whom she touched. May her memory be a blessing and give us strength. Aleha ha-shalom,
Daria, thank you. Are you by any chance related to Donn Wilber?
Hi Scott, no I don't believe so. I'll double check with my husband. There are a ton of Wilber kin whom I've never met, (mostly in Ohio).
Thank you for sharing your mother's wonderful story. Your family represents the American that I remember, of which I am so deeply proud. My heartfelt and deepest sympathy are extended to you and your family, Mr. Krasner. May God bless and watch over you all.
Scott, your accomplished mom imbued you and your siblings and I'm sure inspired many with her values, and she will live on in your hearts and in your deeds. I wish you comfort at this sad time. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace and in power.
Thank you for this personal sharing. Your mother sounds like an amazing woman whose influence will continue to spread through you, your family and all who knew her. Peace!
Scott, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I hope that her memory sustains you and gives you comfort. Please note that it is not only activist’s children that sometimes find their parents endeavors difficult to live with. My mom was stubborn and “unique” in many ways that made me nuts. But now looking back I realize it was part of the imperfect mosaic that we all are. God bless you and your family.
This accolade to your mother is the most exquisite standing ovation to a phenomenal woman and an exemplary mother. I wish I had met her!
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on this painful loss. May every memory she invokes in you be a blessing -- a gift to cherish.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Scott M. Krasner. I'm glad she lived long enough to see the beginning of this administration's end. Her story and point of view will continue to be relevant in her chosen country. Thanks for sharing her journey.