Celebrating All Women

Mother’s Day is complicated. Not everyone is in a position to share the day or good wishes with their mother. She may no longer be here, their relationship may be strained, or with current social distancing, a visit may not be possible.

Mother-daughter relationships are complicated. For all the women out there, ‘nuf said.

Many women choose to become mothers; others make different choices. Some women would love to become a mother, but it has not been in the cards for them. Or in the cards yet.

So on this day which we label “Mother’s Day”, I choose to celebrate all women.

My friends who support me (the ‘sisters’ I choose for myself), women I have had the honor to work with and learn from, my ‘girls’ in groups tied to when we met or what we have experienced together, women in my family, and all of the wonderful women who have opened their hearts and arms to embrace me, encourage me and lead me by example. And of course, I celebrate my mother, Ruthann.

Each woman is unique, but they all share similar attributes: realism, boldness, resilience, warmth, confidence, generosity, beauty, kindness, sensitivity, resourcefulness, understanding, strength, vulnerability, amazing listening skills, and humor…lots of humor.

For every woman in my life today, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you for ‘mothering’ me.