Making A Life

I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong women my whole life. Women who believe that they are equal and can do anything.

When I was a kid in the 80’s I visited my Nana at work regularly, I remember that she had her own office and an assistant. She was the administrator of an long-term care facility, she cared for the sick and the dying. She also taught at a local university. This was my normal.

My Great-Aunt was an entrepreneur, she and my Uncle started a successful Interior Design company in Toronto. There was no denying that she was the boss (of everyone). This was my normal.

My mom stayed at home with four kids when I was young. With two kids of my own I now think that this is the hardest job ever. When my dad got laid off he stayed home, and my mom went to work. My dad braided our hair, and gave us face lift pony tails. My parents were equals, there were no male female roles. When we were deemed old enough my mom started her own business, and later worked as an Executive Director in a creative field. This was my normal.

When I chose to pursue an education involving power tools and welding, one of the women in my family footed the bill for four years of post secondary education, no questions asked. When I started a job that required time away from my kids my mom said that this would be the best thing for my kids and she was right. From a young age my kids have learned that mom and dad are interchangeable. Dad can do everything that mom can do, and mom can do everything that dad can do. Equality starts at home.

On International Women’s Day I celebrate all the women who have come before me, and who have persevered through inequality. It is because of you that I think that anything is possible, and that I am equal. #beboldforchange