In Celebration of Her
Reflecting on the Women in My Life
Welcome to Beyond the Bookshelf, a community of readers and writers exploring the connections between life, literature, and stories - wherever we find them. My name is Matthew and I will guide you on this adventure through the stories of our lives.
“We need to live in a culture that values and respects and looks up to and idolizes women as much as men.” -Emma Watson
Dear Reader,
I took a road trip with my daughter this month. We traveled home to celebrate my mother’s birthday which happens to fall in Women’s History Month. As Anamaria managed the playlist—a solid rotation of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo—I allowed my mind to wander. The farmlands along our route provided a scenic backdrop for my meandering thoughts.
My mind drifted towards the immensity of love a mother has for their child, and I wondered if this is something I will ever understand. I love my children but a mother is something different - just as women are different. My mother’s devotion to her five children is a beautiful thing and I see the same devotion in my wife towards our kids. There is an instinctive passion and protective nature there. As the oldest child, I have experienced my mother’s love for more than 46 years. It does not dissipate with time.
Our trip home was short but impactful. Having the opportunity to spend time with my parents and siblings was a priceless gift. I am mindful of how precious time is and the finite number of moments that dwindle with each day. Take time today to thank the women in your life—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. Their unique and powerful voices add value beyond measure to our lives.
“I raise up my voice - not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” - Malala Yousafzai
Since Mom had such an impact on my life, particularly my love of reading, I asked her to share some thoughts about her reading journey. Enjoy.
I developed a love of reading at a very young age. My mother shared with us the value of reading in various ways, by reading aloud to us as children, and reciting poetry and simple nursery rhymes. Mom also introduced me to the local library before I started school. Knowing we had free access to such a vast array of stories pulled me like a magnet into the world of reading.
In 1973, my first year of college, I was given the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I have always cherished that novel because I was a very introverted, shy middle child who often appeared rude because of my inability to converse with others. Jane overcame many obstacles throughout her life, even though she was a simple girl who didn't always feel loved as a child. I was also captivated by Jane's self-respect and her moral conviction throughout her love story.
Although I was first enamored by the novel Jane Eyre and have read many novels since, I have turned mainly to nonfiction stories about those who have overcome adverse situations in their lives. Their inner strength and bravery inspire me. I also enjoy the occasional historical fiction of the days during World War II. But my daily dose of reading is always topped off by my calling into the religious realm. At 70 years old, I am still learning how to heal that inner child within me!
I just finished reading A Higher Call by Adam Makos and Larry Alexander, an incredible true story about war in the skies during WWII.
At present, I'm reading Ghost Soldiers, The Forgotten Epic Story of WWII's Most Dramatic Mission, by Hampton Sides, and The 24 Hours of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ by Luisa Piccarreta, Little Daughter of the Divine Will.
- Therese Long - March 2024
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I want to acknowledge the many women who have influenced my life. I cannot appropriately capture every individual, but this is a way for me to thank those whose impact I continue to feel each day.
Jannett - my wife and faithful companion of 21 years
Anamaria - my baby girl who has become a beautiful young woman
Mandy and Celie - my sisters
Joanna and Amy - my sisters-in-law
Patricia and Juanita - my grandmothers
Therese and Juana - my mother and mother-in-law
In literature, as in life, phenomenal women have heavily influenced me. Some of my favorites include:
Charlotte Bronte, Harper Lee, J.K. Rowling, Nevada Barr, Margaret Weiss, Willa Cather, Susan Howatch,
, Zora Neale Hurston, , Alice Munro, , and Donna Tartt.Within my small writing community, I have been blessed by the presence and tutelage of amazing women artists. If you have the time, you should check out their work.
and so many more who I probably missed for which I apologize.
“When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision — then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” — Audre Lorde
Legacies by Nikki Giovanni
her grandmother called her from the playground
“yes, ma’am”
“i want chu to learn how to make rolls” said the old
woman proudly
but the little girl didn’t want
to learn how because she knew
even if she couldn’t say it that
that would mean when the old one died she would be less
dependent on her spirit so
she said
“i don’t want to know how to make no rolls”
with her lips poked out
and the old woman wiped her hands on
her apron saying “lord
these children”
and neither of them ever
said what they meant
and i guess nobody ever does
Are your heart and mind open to receiving the powerful wisdom and legacy of the women in your life?
Until next time…
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Whether we realize it or not we each have our own story to tell, but not every woman feels she is a women of history. Thank you for bringing Women's History to the forefront, and for mentioning those who have made your list! We are all women of history, no matter how quiet we are about it. Thank you for sharing!
What a beautiful post today. Currently reading a book about Mary Magdalene. She’s one I’d like to celebrate. 🧡