I’m fortunate to have some incredible friends. There’s my friend Nancy, who knows when to hold my hand and when to give me a kick in the pants. My friend Margret, who is the most calming influence I know, quietly and without any expectations left lunch on my porch on two different occasions when I was struggling to come to terms with my dog Sammy’s violent death. And my friend Doreen was my all-time favorite boss and is now my friend. She knew just what to say when my mother was frighteningly ill recently. And my mother is such an inspiration to me and a huge part of my life.
But this is Women’s History Month, and while these women are part of my history, I decided to pick some historical figures who would be in my lifeboat. There are so many, but I narrowed it down.
Nellie Bly
(1864-1922) was a groundbreaking investigative reporter whose undercover work in an
insane asylum led to reformative legislation. She also traveled around the world in 72 days.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was a civil rights advocate and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. She was the first woman to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol after her death.
“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was the longest serving First Lady during husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office. She was an advocate for women’s rights, social change, civil rights, and a delegate to the United Nations.
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
Margit Buchhalter Feldman (1929-2020) was the only Auschwitz survivor in her family. She spent the latter part of her adult life educating children about the Holocaust and was instrumental in getting a bill passed that mandated a Holocaust curriculum in New Jersey Schools.
“I am here and I firmly believe it is because God wanted me to survive and be here and tell the free world what an uncaring world did to its fellow human beings. “
So many amazing women in our history. So many about whom to learn and to celebrate.
And so many amazing women in our lives. Who’s in your lifeboat?
I have good friends who I consider in my lifeboat, along with family. I haven't always had that, and it makes me value each connection more. Glad you have a lifeboat full of women to support you, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you have that. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWhat a great post, Bea. I'm lucky to have daughters and friends in my lifeboat. I like that you also selected people you'd like to have, and you chose well.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have your own lifeboat filled. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteThis is an activity my adult class had to do in a group and select a number of people from a list. It was supposed to help you understand the importance of people, their occupations, their relationships, etc., yet the group was supposed to also take into consideration they were supposed to try to "survive." You would be surprised how many groups chose "the comic" as a life boat participant, indicating humor is important in our lives. Great post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHumor is very important. What a great insight. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteLoved your post, Bea. I like to think my lifeboat is never full—I want to make room for even more!
ReplyDeleteThat's the wonderful thing about the concept. I'm glad you have your own lifeboat. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteGreat post Bea and impressive choices on your lifeboat. You and your Mom are so lucky to have each other. I have never done that exercise, but I do have my Zombie Apocalypse list- of farmers, hunters, soap makers, and survivalist in general. Does that count?
ReplyDelete