A Toast to Women

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
While my Dad was irreplaceable and my only hero, I found bits and pieces of my mom among aunts and special women. Growing up, I thought this was because my mom was lacking only to realize when I became a mom how enormous just being one is. And that women just automatically, collectively speak the sisterhood and give away love and nurture every child. Be a mom.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
There are my aunts – all of them strong, each one of them beautiful. I am thankful we were raised in a family where children are talked to, raised to have respect for elders and as they grow, transition them into adults and treated like one. Our voices are heard, truths aren’t concealed, confidentialities entrusted – all with one underlying purpose – for us to learn from them. What is the lesson here? How can I learn from this?

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
I have known women who have experienced the worst tragedies, experienced the deepest hurts and have come out of it without any cynicism. Yes, there were scars – deep, big ugly ones. But oh how more beautiful – and strong – they have become. While most of us start as coal, these women handled pressure really well they came out as diamonds, sparkling and bright.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
These women know how to love a man – truly and deeply. Just how God would have wanted love to be. Though richer or poorer. For better or worse. Through thick and thin. Till death do us part. This is how I have learned the covenant of marriage. Though their marriages. It’s not always happy. It’s always constantly choosing to love.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
These women represent both sides of polarizing poles – career-driven executives to full-time housewives. They are complete opposites yet totally the same. They want the same things – stability for the family, a great future for the children. They have the same pure, good intention.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
It is through these women I have learned to make the most unpopular choices, decisions that I question from time to time. But then I go back and remember one thing: When it comes down to a choice, choose the kids. Always choose the kids.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
It is through these women I hold my head a little higher, that I become braver – that I slowly understand what being wholehearted is.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
They hold the world at the palm of their hands. They are rivers of grace, the channels of love and forgiveness, the flag-bearers of unity in their families. And just as active they are in the front end, the first ones you see charging into battle – you do not see them in the spotlight. They gladly take the sidelines, letting the man and their children bask in the glory of what she rightfully deserves and cheer. Because the women in my family are strong. They are selfless. They love.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
The greatest of these women is my mother.
My dad might be my hero, but my mom is my protector. She is my shield, my stronghold.
My dad might be my rock, but my mom is my wind. She is the reason I can fly.
My dad might be my first love, but my mom – my mom loved me first.

I have known so many great women in my life, privileged to be connected with them by blood.
And what I pray for is that I get to be one of these women one day – aging with grace and contentment and peace.

This post is in honor of International Women’s Day.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Aggie Aviso

Aggie Aviso describes herself as her family’s storyteller and memory keeper. A mom to two kids ages 14 and 8, she is certainly past the age of sleepless nights and adorable pigtails. However, motherhood stays exciting, more meaningful and yes, more challenging. She takes it all in stride, knowing fully well that moments pass by in a blink of an eye. As Gretchen Rubin famously said, “The days are long, but the years are short.” She has discovered how wonderful it is to have those fleeting moments in time documented in their family books and has made it her personal mission and passion to be able to tell their stories for her future grandkids. You can read more about her here.. Subscribe to blog updates and the occasional letter here.

Latest posts by Aggie Aviso (see all)

• How to Finally Get the House of Your Dreams - March 14, 2023
• Eco-Friendly Home Renovations: Small Changes, Big Impact - March 14, 2023
• The Steps to Take if You Want to Pursue a New Career Path - February 18, 2023