Dear Baby Girl

Dear Baby Girl,

Right now, I am sitting in the shade of a large Maple tree, in a lounge chair, in your grandmother’s backyard. I am watching your brother and sister play in a plastic kiddie pool–splashing and sharing a hot pink floatie. You, like an Olympic gymnast, are practicing your rolling dismount inside my belly.

It is the Fourth of July; a festive, summertime holiday that celebrates the birth of our country. It is a time for hot dogs and apple pie, for family BBQs and sparklers in empty church parking lots. On the fourth, we rejoice in being citizens of “the land of the free.” We honor those who have served and who are currently serving in our military. We attend fireworks shows and listen to patriotic music, and express gratitude in our hearts for all our fore bearers have done for us.

Like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Staton, who formed the National Woman Sufferage Association in 1869. The association was established with a primary focus: to achieve voting rights for women by way of a Congressional amendment to the constitution. As the movement grew and spread, thousands of women got involved. Thousands stood up for what they believed in.

Baby Girl, Susan B. Anthony is an example of a strong and brave woman–of one who refused to bend under the pressures of society. She had goals and dreams, faced opposition with gumption, and always stood up for herself.

I pray that you will continually stand for truth and fight for goodness. I pray you will stand firm in your convictions; uneasily swayed by forces that would tell you, “no,” or, “you can’t,” or, “that’s impossible.” I pray you walk your exquisite life’s path in bravery and dignity, as women who have gone before you have.

And never forget, you will always have your mother’s vote!