Firsts...
...and women.
Yesterday, I wasn't sure what to do. I've been tired the last few days, but needed to leave the house. I wandered for a bit in Manhattan and then decided to see what was playing at the Quad or Cinema Village. Near Union Square, I was delighted to see that "Lilly" was playing at the Quad in an hour. I highly recommend seeing the film.
It's a powerful film about Lilly Ledbetter and the Fair Pay Act. Live footage from RGB, Obama, and Hillary was interspersed. Each time the footage was shown, I teared up and my heart cracked because it was such a contrast to the horrors we are living in now. I was reminded of the humanity and compassion, and how it is such a stark contrast to the incredibly selfish and evil personalities now holding power. And by the way, when will we get our first woman president?? We are so behind as a country, overpowered by racism and misogyny.
Watching the film about the first and only woman supervisor at Good Year Tire (at the time) brought up memories. As soon as the film began, I thought of my mom. She and I would see many films together - biopics about women, or fun Indie films, or docs. I knew she would have loved it. Mom was one of the only (if not the only) female commercial sign painters in Quebec in the 50's. Her dad had a small company and had her work as a receptionist. After the first day, she told him she wanted to hand-letter on trucks like him and her brothers. So he taught her.
When I was born, Mom was also either the first or one of the first to give birth via the Lamaze method in the area. My dad was wrapping up his final year in medical school in Quebec City, and the school asked Mom to write about her experience for the University's medical journal. She gave me the journal with the article - the story of my birth in French.
Mom broke ground a few times in her life. I, too, have held a few positions where I was the first woman, knowing I didn't have the experience but had transferable skills. Each time, I'd prove myself and excel in the position.
While thinking about Mom's firsts and Lilly Ledbetter's strength and courage, I remembered it was Mom's birthday, which made for an emotional and sweet two hours of connection with her.
Here is a photo of Mom and me in Seattle in August 2000. I still miss her.
