Why do I recognize and support #internationalwomensday ? My whole life, I have been surrounded by strong, intelligent, and inspiring women.
I was 13 years old when my Dad passed away. My Mom was left to raise 3 oft unruly boys - and she did so with love, humor, and grace.. to this day , she still puts all others interests before her own and is the most generous person I know. She is also brilliant, creative, and hilarious - she does self-deprecating / obfuscating humor at the Ninja Jedi level - If you think she isn't in on the joke, you have been duped, padwan.. she is playing 4-dimensional chess and you are holding a plastic checker. Its a Masterclass and your professor is equal parts Gracie Allen and Andy Kaufmann - checkmate ! She may be the funniest person I know, and that is saying something. Her Bronx upbringing also instilled a "different" approach to conflicts .. pardon my language, but my Mom doesn't take shit from anyone.. She taught us at a young age how to stand up for ourselves without hesitation and without fear. I'm forever grateful..
I had two loving grandmothers who helped teach me about compassion and empathy. I have the most thoughtful, magnanimous Aunts who have ALWAYS been there for us, and have shown me the importance and strength that exist in the bonds of extended family.. I cherish my female cousins, who were always outnumbered, but were most often the brains in all our kooky adventures and follies.. I have the most warm-hearted and spectacular nieces ( and step-nieces ) who bring me nothing but smiles. I have a step-Mother-in-Law who along with her two fantastic daughters, have given me so much encouragement. I have so many close female friends, some new, some lifelong - who mean so much to me and my family. I have three such lifelong friends, who later became my stepsisters, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them in my life. At work, I have reported to and have been outnumbered by brilliant, remarkable, accomplished women for 26 years. I love my job, and the friendships and bonds I have formed with these coworkers is the main reason.
Sister-in-Laws ? I hit the jackpot. Carlyn. Lianne ( one of my lifelong closest friends since 3rd grade ). Sheila. Lindsay .. All strong, intelligent, and exceptional women... they have each been so supportive of my family and my current fight - I love them.
I have the most extraordinary Mother-in-law a guy could ask for. Not only is she caring, supportive, and kind - she is also just fun to be around. There is no better company to sit outside and have a Margarita with - period.
I say this without hesitation and unequivocally : My wife, Doreen, is a superhero. Intelligent, Insightful, Luminous, Courageous, Loving, Supportive, Breathtaking .. I could go on for days.. Inspiring ? How many people could go from budding scientist, to data technologist so seamlessly with such acumen ? I have never met someone with a stronger work ethic, and her motivation and determination have resulted in well deserved recognition... Executive Vice President.. Its a major accomplishment, but secondary to her achievements as a Mom. For all the hard work Doreen puts in at the office, it pales in comparison to her efforts at home. She is the most attentive, loving, assiduous Mother for our kids. Family come first for Doreen, and its not even close. She may work full time, but our kids would describe her as a full time Mom. They would also describe her as the smartest person in the world. I could not be prouder.
I also could not be more appreciative that Doreen and the wonderful women that I wrote about who have inspired me, are inspiring and knocking down barriers for this intelligent, creative, remarkable little girl below.. My beautiful Gigi ..
