Lifetime Leadership Recognition

Women’s leadership and innovation are certainly something to be celebrated. I see the images and accolades that are presented, and I find myself wondering how that person could accomplish all that in just a few short years on this earth. It is impressive.  I know another side of women’s leadership and innovation that I think gets missed. Today is my mother’s birthday. She has never been awarded anything in business. I want to recognize her and her lifetime of leadership.

My mother was a bank teller. She has always been active and involved in the lives of her family and community. She stayed ahead of a 600 sq ft home that she bought with her own earned money. After a divorce from her first husband, she raised a 14-year-old boy in the late 60’s as a “career woman.” In 1969, she met a crazy man named Robert. He really caught her attention. However, he was almost 30 and still not committed to anything beyond his lifestyle. Nevertheless, they dated. They fell in love. They joke that neither one of them remembers a marriage proposal or engagement. They describe it as, “we just got married.” By 1972, they had a child together (me). They were and still are each other’s “the one.” 

My mother and father still live in that 600 sq ft house. They are still married. They are active in my children’s lives. My mother and father have both (as a team) supported countless people in their moments of need. However, it all started because my mother worked, fought, established a home, and is an anchor in the storms and lives of all that have known her. My mom is no person's “little lady.” In fact, she will tell you that, “I grew up with three tough brothers. I’m not afraid of you.”

My mother has lived a lifetime of leadership and she worked tirelessly and sacrificed for us so that we all could live better lives. She also makes amazing Christmas cut-out cookies. That should probably get an award. Happy Birthday, Mom!