March is Women's History Month

This month is Women's History Month. There are a lot of amazing women whose shoulders we get to stand on. But one woman who I truly admire was my grandma, Maurine. She was a woman who grew up as the only girl in a family of boys. She was raised in a very conservative home and a very conservative town. But I think it was she who gave me the strength and the thoughts that we didn't have to be the same or always think the same as the people around us. Let me tell you about her.

Grandma loved to read. She would read almost every day. Even when her eyes and her hands couldn't do much else, she would still read. And she didn't read fluff. She was reading deep, insightful, and thought-provoking books. She was always improving her mind and, consequently, could carry on great conversations.

She had some spunk in her. There was always a little twinkle in her eye that let you know a bit of mischief was going on her mind. Don't tell her what to do and how to do it--she could figure out for herself, and have a little fun with it, too.

She was an amazing worker. Unless she was very ill, she worked out her yard almost every day. She loved flowers and plants and would spend endless hours helping things grow. She was always working inside, too. There was no excuse for wasting time.

She was creative. Her hands weren't often very still. She would make bread by hand, crochet, knit, embroider, quilt, and sew. I treasure the quilt she made for me when I got married.

And, best of all, she was independent. She made up her own mind about what to think on religion, politics, and world events--even if she was surrounded by people who thought differently. And, no, she wouldn't be swayed from something she really believed in.

I wish I could be like her, but that's a lot of to live up to. I'm just glad for her example and for her strength that I always keep in the back of my mind. She was a feminist the way I hope I am.

I think it's important to remember and know women's history, both in the world and in your own family.

Here's a fun quiz to see what you know about Women's History. Good luck!

http://encarta.msn.com/quiz_305/famous_feminists_quiz.html?GT1=43001

Ernie