Today is International Women's Day.
There are and have been many famous and wonderful women in the world, but today I wish to acknowledge, honour and thank all the women in my life, past and present.
Chronologically, I have to start with my mothers - both of them, Patsy and Marjorie. And my grandmothers and aunts. Then, and most especially, I have to honour and thank Ingrid, the love of my life and mother of my children; and, of course, her mother. I also need to recognize Ingrid's many friends over the years - sisters in a kind of benign conspiracy of mutual support that men take years to work out even exists, but can never hope to understand, let alone emulate.
At some point my daughters in law and my own daughters took up a special place in that bond of sisterhood with Ingrid and I hope to live long enough to see my granddaughters join that special circle. In the meantime they are already enriching my life beyond anything they could today know or understand. Little, sweet Aubrey, take your place there with pride. You have enriched my life beyond my own ability to comprehend.
To all the women in my life, without you there would be no life and no life worth living. Thank you.
And to the myriad other women who strive, unrecognized, to make this world a better, kinder, more loving place, thank you.
