Dear Daughter,
The day you were born I changed forever.
It’s true that you were not my first baby, but you, my darling girl, were my first, my only daughter.
As the doctor announced, “It’s a girl!” and passed you up to me I felt all of the pain and worry I’d felt only moments before melt away into a puddle of tears.
Happy tears.
Warrior tears.
You see, nothing makes a mama feel more fierce than birthing a baby
I did the thing I didn’t think I could do. We did it.
You’d been my steady companion for nine plus. My right-hand girl, by bestie from birth, but this was our first triumph. This was our first, of many, huge things we’d accomplish. And we did it together.
As the nurse wrote your sweet name and stats on the board in the room she said, “March 8th…It’s National Women’s Day.” Truth be told sister, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that, up until that moment, had no idea that was a thing.
I’ve always thought that women are amazing
I’ve always been in awe of those trailblazers in history who paved the way for women with their hard work, brave words and actions.
I supported women’s rights for equal pay and equal opportunities…but I cheered from the sidelines.
However, something about looking into your eyes on that first day of your life and every single day since has made me a feminist.
I don’t know why being a girl myself wasn’t enough for me to stand up and put my foot down
Maybe it’s simply because my dreams for myself weren’t challenged because of my gender. Or perhaps I didn’t feel worth the fight.
But I am worth the fight, my dear. WE are worth the fight.
I look at you and I can’t accept a society where you might be held back
I cannot tolerate a world where you are inclined to put limits on your dreams because of invisible lines and expectations.
You are a room-wrecker and a reality checker, a fire-tongued fierce leader and a wild-hearted world changer. You act like a prosecutor when sometimes I wish you’d just say, “yes mama” and move on. But one day you will use those skills to stand up for yourself, for the people you love and for perfect strangers because injustice doesn’t live in your world. (From @themamaontherocks)
You are a 4-year-old feminist
Because of you, I’m done being a tentative advocate for equality. Sign me up as women’s rights warrior.
I’ll get the petition, you bring the crayons. Together we are unstoppable.
Love,
Mommy
