IWD
Happy International Women's Day!
I've spoken before of the amazing women in my life from family members (my incredible mother, wily grandmother, strong & fun loving aunts & great aunts) to dear older friends & mentors (adrian_ilo's mom, Marcella, Dr. Johnson, my current boss) and contemporary friends, many of whom are reading this right now (or at least I hope you are). So, yes, you all rock. Thanks yet again for both helping to shape my identity as a modern woman and continue to share your disparate experiences of that with me. Our paths may have diverged slightly over recent years, but there is still much that can be done even in our very privileged existence to make the world a better place for the next generation.
How we do that is in no small part in how we make & live with the decisions in our own lives, but also showing respect for others in their decisions and empowering them to make the decision that's best for them.
I'd also like to take a moment to shout out to a few of the amazing men in my life who have also helped shape me into the woman I am today:
My father, even though he didn't understand the ramifications of his early support for my future dreams and aspirations. When push really came to shove, he stood behind me and for me. Not always liking the outcome, but in respect at least in part for my ability to make decisions and wanting me to be truly happy. Also for modelling a little bit what a truly partnership marriage might look like. While my patents played pretty standard gender roles, he loved my mom passionately and trusted her implicitly, both in personal as well as business judgement. He also treated her more like an equal than not. Seeing that modelled early on was really transformative.
adrian_ilo's dad, for having been there in my more difficult formative years and challenging me to continue to develop my less gender traditional skills and providing the support I needed to succeed. Also for talking my dad into seeing if not sense, at least some of the damage his opposition would cause.
And finally to my beloved raayat with whom I've created a marriage of equals that that makes us both profoundly happy. A marriage where we're free to be ourselves in a way neither of us ever thought really possible. In doing so we've created a relationship that thrives on communication and deep consideration for the other. "You, Me, Us" I love you sweetheart. Thank you for loving me back.
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