International Women’s Day, Everyday

Thank you to our mothers who brought us into the world and shaped who we’re becoming.  International Women’s Day celebrates and acknowledges women everywhere and for many of us whose mothers have passed on, a special gratitude for leading by example. My mother, Ruby, passed in November 2016, but I know she continues to cheer us on.

Women often talked about the complexity of mother-daughter-relationships and no doubt it exists. One year for my Mother’s birthday, I wrote her a poem about our relationship. I have never shared these two verses publicly, but somehow it seems appropriate today. Perhaps, some of the feelings resonate with you and your relationship with your mother.

Yes, you are my mother.  One look at me says it is so.

Our fight for what’s right, energy and drive—combined

With a love of people and of God—say it’s true

Where did I learn all of this?

Why, Mother, from you!

We laugh, we cry, we cheer each other, and we sigh.

Though sometimes we spar and try each other’s feelings,

Deep inside our trust and bond are the stronger emotions—

Ties of love that can’t be broken.

Ruby Rutherford // Mother & Judy

Jernudd Communication Team

Many women closest to us including our sisters, grandmothers, aunts, friends and mentors  through their encouragement and example contribute to who we are and inspire us to fulfill our dreams, ambitions and inspirations.  Women throughout our lives encourage our accomplishments and contributions to the well-being of the world. From my mother who taught me the equality of humanity, showed me how to lead and through her entrepreneurship, how to become an entrepreneur, to Gloria Steinem who helped unite women globally, and to the women who stand up for equality and the right thing, thank you.

Special acknowledgments to my impressive women friends, advisors and the women on the Jernudd team who add to my life. The way I see it, International Women’s Day is every day. The same as Mother’s Day. We celebrate these designated days knowing we have only just begun.