To all of the women in my life!

I celebrate YOU! This month is Women's History Month and I made a commitment to myself that I would celebrate it as many ways that I possibly could. The Women's Studies Department has filled the month full of great guest speakers, lectures and movies about historical figures in women's history and current issues that face women here in the US and globally. I have to admit that I honestly did not know that March was Women's History Month until I took my Women's Studies class this semester. It has probably been the most enjoyable and influential class that I have taken so far, and I am almost already done.  My only regret is that I did not take this class sooner. It has taught me so much about myself and about the power of women! (Don't tell him I told you, but Jared has become very much a feminist. I love that he takes a great interest in issues that are facing women.)

Granted, we talk about a lot of issues that are still so perplexing to all women and it saddens me. However, I still feel so empowered to be a woman and I take glory in being a woman. As I have attended these lectures and films, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the great women of the past, the present and the future. Especially those women that are in my life. Each has made me a better woman, has taught me something unique about womanhood, strengthens me and empowers me. Thank you to each of you for that! When I think of all of you beautiful women I think of strength, progress, capacity, I think of greatness! So, during this month I am not just celebrating the great women of history, but I am celebrating each of you and what you are trying to do not matter how rough the road may be.
      

 I celebrate my mother, who I think about daily hoping that I can be half the mother that she is and how she always makes me laugh. I celebrate my mother-in-law, Jacquie, who taught my favorite person to be the man that he is today. I celebrate my grandmothers, who have experienced many great things in their lives and are women of strength. I celebrate our future daughters! I celebrate my sisters, Stephanie, Jen, Monica, Brooke, Casey, Rhonda and Brandi. They are women who are living life to the fullest. I celebrate my nieces, Lissie, Sam, Brenna, Brooke, Piper, Shylo and Kia who have a bright future ahead of them. I celebrate my girl cousins, ALL of you!!! I celebrate all of my girlfriends and all of the fun that we have had together. I celebrate all of my young women's leaders, women professors and leaders. Basically, I celebrate womanhood!



To the men in my life, I celebrate you too!!! Thanks for helping me to see the difference that I hope to make in the world and for supporting all of these women as well!!!