By Julia Ann Dudley Najieb

(Full audio version available below.)
I want everyone to know that this has been the hardest piece I’ve ever had to write; I have stalled writing, hoping that reality would not hit me too hard, the reality of not being able to see or talk to one of the most influential mentors in my life for the rest of my life on this earth. Dr. James E. Walton was a key reason I have continued to be who I am today, as a writer and journalist.