Hercules... we got it, thanks anyway ~ A humble dedication to Women.

I feel compelled today, March 8th, International Women's Day to dedicate this entry in my Carpe Diem to women all over the world.
Why dedicate a day to celebrate women? We celebrate many different groups, organizations, movements; but why women? I can go on in detail about the origins of this day, the mimosa flower being the symbol of this day, the extents of its recogntion or lack thereof here in Canada especially, but no. I want to express my feelings for this day and in particular  how it relates to me and my life today.

My feeling of indebtedness to the millions of women that came before me is a force that runs through me every day. The women who suffered physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally are the same ones that persevered with a strength fuelled only by their human spirit. For most there were no trophies, no lotteries, no prize to hold up for a photo opp at the end of the day. There would be no newspaper clipping, no promotion, no new house new car or new wardrobe. The raw courageous drive to wake up and then
get up and make life better for themselves and their loved ones was their gold sticker. That's it. Simple motives yet the most noble of all.

Many times over the course of my life, I have wondered if I was born the wrong gender. The tugs and pulls of everyday existence sometimes requires the stamina of Mercury and the muscle of Hercules; the tasks and duties so daunting that only heroic, masculine strength could possibly get you to the next dawn. And yet, women of all shapes and sizes, cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs move forward. And have been moving forward since their creation; sometimes against all odds.

Men are for me like an oak tree; strong base, a multitude of branches that reach out to offer a secure reliable perch for all those that depend on them. Women are the gardeners of that tree. The ones that will be sure it blossoms every year, the ones that will water it and keep it alive through the storms that threaten its very existence. The tree is planted firmly, and every day, the Gardener will show up and take care of it.

So.. I ask again, why celebrate women? Because it's the right the thing to do. There is no need to justify or to explain it. Women are worthy of celebrating. Period. We don't need a day to "mark" us as special.. but thanks.. we'll take it. You shouldn't have, Society... but we're glad you did.

I want to thank the women that went before me for their "thankless" efforts. They did not and do not go unnoticed.. at least for this woman.