International Women’s Day 2021

On this International Women’s Day, I would like to take the time to introduce you to the women in my life who have shaped me into who I am today.  I come from a pretty big family.  My dad had 10 brothers and sisters.  My mom had four brothers and sisters.  Above is a picture of my Grandpa and Grandma Armock and their children taken a long long time ago.  These are my Aunts and Uncles.  My Aunts are fun and independent and love to laugh.  They include my Aunt Arlene, Aunt Dort, Aunt Agatha and Aunt Bert.  I was also fortunate to have amazing Aunt-In-Laws including Aunt Viv, Aunt June and Aunt Erma.  They are now in their 80’s and ’90’s.  And still loving life.  They inspire me in more ways than I let them know.

Here’s a picture of my mom when she was less than a year old (the one in the middle) and my Great Grandmother.  My mom tells me often how much my Great Grandmother inspired her life and pushed her to do great things.  These are solid, strong women.  I am fortunate to be among them.

How lucky am I to have these amazing women in my life and heritage running through me?  They have endured hardship, sadness, loneliness, happiness and loss.  And they have done it with a strong faith, a strong backbone, and firm belief that things will get better.

I hope I can learn from them.  I hope I can be all that they were.  I hope that when they look down on me, they are proud to call me one of their own.

On this International Women’s Day, let’s remember all of those that have shaped our lives.  All of them.  From Eleanor Roosevelt, to Evita, to Cleopatra, to Georgia O’Keefe, to Billie Eilish, to our grandparents,  to our mothers.

Be strong.  Be passionate in your beliefs.  And, wash your hands :).