As we look back on 2008 and ahead to 2009, I thought it would be appropriate to honor a few notable women of 2008.
Ingrid Betancourt (Colombia)
Miriam Makeba (South Africa) died this year
Hilary Clinton (USA)
Jestina Mukoko (Zimbabwe)
Barbara Hogan (South Africa)
Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma)
Bettie Page (USA) died this year
Helen Zille (South Africa)
Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan) assassinated
With this list comes the reminder of how many other women, without the public light, go about making a difference for good in the world. Some of them may go unnoticed, but for those of us whose lives they touch, we know who they are and admire them for their strength. Who are some of the women who have touched your life for good?
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One notable person of my life is my grandma...i admire her for the straight of raising two kids in a time when resources where limited,and took care of a sick husband who loved her very much..She still loves and misses my grandpa,even though he dies when I was 12(9 years ago to be more specific). she made me a strong person,and helped me find out what i want in a marriage,in a family..that aside the fact she practically raised me and took care of me...for that i will always respect,love and admire her.
One person that sticks out to me is my close friend Gretta, she has always been an inspiration to me as a mother, a person of infinite worth and is a daughter of ailing parents (one of whom died this last year) to whom she nursed and took care of herself for many years with Alzheimer's in their own home (so took care of 2 households at once and still is) the sacrifices she makes constantly for others, her ability to keep a lovely home, be so earnest and giving in so many ways. She gives her all to her relationship with her husband and the list goes on.
I feel blessed to have a special person such as her in my life.
She's one of those people that you couldn't tire of being around as her spirit shines through so brightly.
Several women came in mind... Ladies in Logan Deaf Branch, teachers from Indiana School for the Deaf and California School for the Deaf, Fremont. They set an example of what a woman should behave. Also they show through their examples of what they learned as a mother and/or as a teacher. With the divesity in age, I see differences in thoughts and actions among these women. I learned that in phases of life, you do different things for specific reasons. It helps me to see changes in myself and accept that I am growing up and becoming a woman.
There was one specific woman who was heartily involved with my decision to be a marine research scientist: Cathy Sakas. She works for NOAA in Savannah and provided me with insights and opportunities to stretch my mind and abilities while still in High School. Throughout her life, she has also accomplished things that make me hope that one day, I can only become a fraction of the amazing person she is today.
I also have a deep seeded respect for my mother and grandmothers for various reasons, but that is for another time :)
I was talking to my mother about this topic and we discussed the possibility that perhaps women who are not famous have the potential to make a greater impact on those around them. Aside from arguing measure, I do believe that those we have personal interaction with will provide a more lasting impact, though there are many "famous" women whom I admire and have learned from as well.
One woman I admire is Sherry Dew. She is famous in some circles, less well-known in others, but she has the gift of communication. She taught me that it's okay to be a smart intelligent woman. You don't have to "sugar-coat" to communicate well. I had this idea that if women sugar-coat and make things so sweet and irresistible, people would be more receptive to the message. Sherry Dew is direct and to the point, though keeps her femininity. She comes across like she trusts your intelligence as the listener. I realized you can have too much "sugar" and you can often have a greater impact by conveying a direct message. Doesn't sound too life changing, but it definitely eased the mental pressure I had placed on myself.
Women I admire who are close to me... mother (of course!) sisters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law (yes! I love that you can broaden your family circle through marriage!)... many women I have the fortune not only to know, but be related to! Then there are friends, old and young, co-workers, fellow volunteers, women from my local community. Thanks to all the wonderful women who dare to share who they are and what they think, in their own unique way!
Emily ! You are inspirational, Mother's who "Know" are also very inspriational!
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