Mormon Feminist

The following conversation took place between Russ Russ and me on Monday;

Me: (praying) "Thank you so much for our lunch. Please help the food make us healthy and strong."

Russ Russ: giggling, "No. Mommy not strong. Mommy a girl."

Me: "What do you mean sweetie? Girls are strong. Girls can be very strong. Mommy is very strong. Look at these muscles buddy."

Russell is still learning that his mother is a Mormon feminist, in an -I still respect, need and adore men- sort of way.

Where did this idea come from?

Doesn't he see me run up and down two flights of stairs, through hallways and open seven doors with him on my back my back, a weeks worth of laundry hanging from my arm, and hands full of quarters and detergent?

Doesn't he see me push and pull our queen mattress from our bedroom to the family room every night, by myself?

Doesn't he see me push 50+ pounds of children and 10 pounds of stroller to and from the park almost every day?

But I am really thinking about a woman I love very much who just lost her baby in her fifth month of pregnancy. She is kind. She is one of the funniest people I know. She does what is right. She is strong.

I am thinking about another woman I love who has had lyme disease for two and a half years, and has had to give up nearly every activity that she loves. She is cheerful. She is smart. She does what is right. She is strong.

I am completely surrounded by very strong, happy and wonderful mothers, sisters, grandmothers, friends, cousins and aunts.

In fact, if you are a woman and you are close to me I probably think you are pretty amazing. And you are.

You are a modern superhero; fighting evil with kisses, love, perfume and homemade meals.

And if you don't make homemade meals, I couldn't care less. You are still a superhero.

Maybe I should write a post on my love for men as well.

It would probably go like this;

Men. I love the way you look. I love watching you play basketball. I love that you are easily pleased. I love hanging out with you, talking to you, and playing with you. I love that you are so powerful when you need to be and so sweet and soft when you need to be. I love that we need you and you need us.

There, now everyone should be happy.