International Women’s Day

Happy International Women’s Day! I love this day. It’s a wonderful excuse to remember the contributions of women all over the world. It’s a day for me to thank the women who have untold influence in my life. And what better place to do that than here?

Thank you, Mom, for being the hardest worker I know. Between family, church, and saving people’s lives, you change the world a little bit every day.

Thank you, Stephanie, for sticking by my side through everything. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’m lucky that you’re my sister. You are the definition of loyalty.

Thank you, Grandma Julie, for showing me that love was unconditional. Even when I made poor decisions, you were there to help me make better ones and to say that you loved me anyways.

Thank you, Grandma Gail, for being full of joy and patience. I know that Jesus loved little children because I see him reflected in your love of little ones.

Thank you, Nancy, for raising a husband who loves me and supports me. Because of you, I’ve got a man who is a good father, a supportive husband, and a feminist ally. I know you can’t read this, but thank you anyways. I wish you could have met our boys.

Thank you, Shantell, for being the girl I looked up to my whole life. Beautiful, smart, and kind, you let me tag along with you on your many social outings even though I didn’t quite fit in.

Thank you, Lindsay, for being the biggest encourager out there. You follow your dreams and urge others to do the same. You empathize with my failings, listen to my ramblings, and support me.

Thank you, Sam, for your thoughtfulness. You’re so busy and so far away, but you never forget to send me a message or a picture or anything. You make a point of seeing me when you’re home. And no one else would stuff their trunk full of vanilla coke and drive it home just because their friend can’t buy their favorite drink in Canada.

Thank you, Chantelle, for being my partner in motherhood. You’re always available to give advice or listen to complaints about how hard selfless parenting is.

There are many more women that have shaped my life: the women I went to school with, my aunts who spoiled me and loved me even though I’m weird, the ladies at church who have been so kind to me and my boys, and the countless women who shaped this world so that I could be allowed to vote, learn, and work. Thank you.