To the Most Important Woman in My Life

To the most important woman in my life,

I remember the elementary school evenings when I’d play on the front lawn until you got home from work. In the winter I would stand on the windowsill and stare down the street, eagerly waiting to see your blue car pull into the driveway. Some days, when I was (fake) sick, you would take me to work with you and I would pretend to hold meetings, take notes, and drink tea. It was so much better than school.

I don’t have to tell you how many times I’d play in your closet, try on your makeup, and walk around our hallway in your heels. It was so fun to pretend to be a grown up; to pretend to be you. I never had to pick between acting like a “mom,” a “boss,” or a “girly girl,” because when I was pretending to be you, I never had to choose just one. You were all those things, and you still are.

You are also strong, resilient, smart, and beautiful. You’ve taught me that strength is not hiding your emotions; it’s feeling them. You’ve taught me to stand up for myself (especially to pushy boys and arrogant men). You’ve taught me that challenges are never a reason to give up. While this lesson hasn’t come easily, it has been the most important one of them all. The past four years of my life, which were full of unexpected challenges, would have been impossible without you. 

You embody what makes women so special. Women can excel professionally while still being amazing mothers. Women are amazing leaders who can also ask for help. Women have value regardless of whether or not they make men feel good about themselves. Women can be whoever they want to be.

Your humility, while not necessary, has encouraged me to broaden my horizons and learn from those around me. You’ve allowed me to accept my own mistakes and shortcomings as a friend, daughter, sister, and feminist. This is so crucial as we both continue to learn to better support the people around us. Support is something you give eagerly and lovingly, and for that I am incredibly grateful. 

On this year’s International Women’s Day, I am thanking you, and women like you, who empower those around them and inspire the next generation of parents, leaders, and partners. 

It’s crucial for young women and girls to find strong, passionate, and empathetic role models. I’m so lucky to have found one in you, Mom.

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