Melanie Lawson's talk with Maya Angelou

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting Dr. Maya Angelou can tell you what an extraordinary person she was. In fact, it's hard to imagine that strong and honeyed voice has been silenced -- that razor-sharp mind no longer spinning out poems, wit and wisdom. But the true blessing is that she's left us a treasure trove of words to enjoy.

I had the honor of meeting Dr. Angelou on several occasions, but the most incredible experience was interviewing her at her home in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Photographer Bernard Francis, producer Joe Williams and I were nervous wrecks, as we sat in her warm art-filled living room waiting to meet her. But from the moment she walked into the room, leaning on her cane and stretching out a strong handshake, all our nerves melted away.

Although she was nearing 80 at the time, she was surprisingly tall and stood ramrod straight, with the most glorious smile. She was also so curious about everything, firing almost as many questions at us, as we did in our interview. And that voice -- it was like listening to the sweetest singer and the most melodious poet rolled into one. And the poetry wasn't just in her writings -- she actually spoke in that beautiful prose.

Her home was breathtaking, filled with art from around the world, and flowers everywhere. Even her backyard was a combination of sculptures and gardens in full bloom. She told us her flowers, her art, and her books were her greatest joys -- second only to her son, Guy. She called him her greatest creation. But perhaps what impressed us the most was the sheer breadth of her life, and how she'd taken so many tragedies - like sexual abuse and poverty and anger - and turned them into the most beautiful words.

The last time I saw her was a few months ago at an art gallery in New York. She was much frailer, brought in a wheelchair. But when she spoke to that packed room, that amazing voice and steel trap of a mind were as strong as ever. She held the room spellbound, and we all felt the gift of her presence. Rest in peace, Dr. Angelou. You've left us with so much, and we are so grateful.