A Letter to the Women in My Life

Today we are called upon to acknowledge, for a day, all women everywhere. International Women’s Day offers us a day to celebrate, to pause and reflect on where we’re at. And today I resisted, because when I pause and reflect, politically speaking, I see a huge mountain. We’re a third of the way up looking down on some beautiful progress, but the steep terrain that lies ahead is imposing. There is no path- it is for us to carve. Supported by those who have led us to this point, we are poised with strength, diversity at its core, to climb onwards. With many strategies, our paths up the mountain will vary, but our sights are pointed forward.

I can, with pleasure, reflect on the women in my life, today, and celebrate. I am a privileged, lucky, blessed woman to be able to have had incredible relationships with so many inquiringly brilliant, strong, compassionate, unwaveringly supportive, unconditionally understanding, witty, fun, awesome women. Each one of you has shaped the person I am and the person I will become. You are all generous of your selves. You challenge me, and nurture me. You remind me of my own strengths; those that exist are likely a reflection of your own. You remind me I am human, and you show me how to be a better one. You call me on my missteps and help me up from my failures; you ask the hard questions and are patient with my answers.

You remind me that I am a part of a diverse group. Some of you know me only as I am in another language than my mother tongue. I only know some of you as you are in yours. You live throughout the world. You are teachers and students, of many disciplines. You are artists and articled students. You will be doctors and lawyers; or if you want, barristas, or sometimes unemployed. You will be mothers and partners. You are black and white, Italian and Guatemalan, Canadian and American. You are straight, and gay, bisexual, identify along a spectrum of genders or defy categories. Your abilities are diverse, your talents abundant. You are all kind, with good souls.

You are what I have to celebrate every day. You make my life rich. With pleasure, I will climb with you. For all that each of you are, thank you.

With love and solidarity,

Rachael