You’ve all seen the meme about strong women – may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize all of those women who have impacted our lives.
First of all, my mom; I was so blessed to be raised by an incredibly strong, smart, wonderful mom. She was such an amazing role model and I miss her every day, but especially on those special occasions when her absence seems to leave an even bigger hole.
Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women – neighbours who entrusted me with their children and teachers who saw more than the child who was “smart but talked too much”. And my sister who was such a creative, funny person; she taught me so much about telling it like it is and being true to myself.
In university, there was Karen and Shelly and I; we helped each other make it through the challenges of writing papers and studying for exams. Sometimes that meant a “What the F@#% night” or watching Letterman as we took a break from studying, and other times it meant making each other hang up the phone and get to work! We were always there to give each other what we needed.
When I look back on the Timmins years after we graduated, the one thing that was missing was girlfriends. We made friends there, but I didn’t have a close girlfriend and if I learned anything in those five years, it’s how important they are!
Bracebridge has provided a font of girlfriends; I am so blessed. Just a few months after moving here, we went to the Fowler Christmas party and I met Karen. I remember knowing immediately that we would be friends and that life in Muskoka was going to be awesome because of that! That will be 30 years ago this fall, and I was right about both of those facts; I can’t imagine life without either Karen or Muskoka!
Over the years, I made so many good friends who have enriched my life in countless ways. I wrote about this in Girlfriends Rock.
May We Raise Them
When I look at the next generation of women, I am filled with so much hope for our world! When I look at Lisa and Bridget, Erika and Jessica, Krysta and Heather and Andrea, and all of their friends, I see smart young women who know their own value and recognize the importance of their girlfriends and their support systems.
They’re so strong and smart enough to admit when they need some help. They’re resourceful and knowledgeable. They can advocate for themselves. They know how to celebrate life’s wins and seek comfort when they’re struggling. They’re a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to being a part of their journey.
May We Cherish Them
I want to add one more sentence to the meme about strong women – may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them, may we cherish them. The older I get the more I value all of the beautiful women in my life.
So Happy Mother’s Day to all of the women who have enriched my journey; please know that I cherish each and every one of you!
