A Gift for International Women's Day

Now, let me start with the fact that I hesitated to share this. I made sure to ask Wayne's permission, explicitly, because the gift and its note were so meaningful to me. I don't take "blogging" his words lightly, but thought they were so incredible that I felt compelled to share them.

 I first learned about Mary Robinson, not by living in Ireland (oddly enough), but by reading Nelson Mandela's autobiography. (She was the first female President of Ireland, who later became the head of the UN Human Rights' Commission, member of The Elders and generally, a champion in every way for the oppressed, the downtrodden and the voiceless.) Nelson Mandela references her, a host of times, so I knew she was a woman worth researching. First I found her biography and read that. Next, I knew I wanted her autobiography but was too cheap to pay what they were asking at Eason's (Irish "Barnes & Noble" or "Chapters"). But today, on a day I didn't really give 'two thoughts' to, Wayne surprised me with her book. (I'd take presents on International Women's Day over "Valentine's Day", any day of the year. Wait...)

The real gift though was the note. I wouldn't dare trivialize what he said with some monologue about what an incredible man he is (that's implied). 

 "Gloria, On International Women's Day, I thought perhaps I could start a tradition in which I find some way to fuel your natural passion and fire for justice with a gift, a note, or maybe just a reminder of how awesome women are, but how hard they have to fight to be so. This may help inspire you to continue searching for that outlet for your own genuis. This book is a symbol of our time here in Ireland, and also of so much more. It reminds me of you - when I see the book I think about your own ability to change 'big' things. I hope I can be a support for you as a woman in this world that still fears womens' voices and their transformative potential. Love you always, Wayne"

 

We were out to dinner at a sushi restaurant in Dun Laoghaire (Total aside: fantassstic by the way, for a teeny-hole-in-the-wall. While we waited, the waitress even brought Norah a wooden toy sushi set to play with! Awesomess-unrivalled.) Anyway, we're sitting there and Wayne asks if I would like a surprise. (um, yes please) So he pulls out this unassuming paper bag from Hodges & Figgis (a very famous bookstore in Dublin; perhaps the oldest?). ANYWAY.... after seeing the book and finishing the letter, I was in tears. This has not happened since he proposed to me in...what, 2008? Clearly I'm not a crier. But this...this absolutely floored me and I honestly don't even want to spoil it by 'going off' about what he means to me. It's just....something I'll keep with me always (I mean, literally, in my treasure-shoe-box).  

 

Annnd then, in really unrelated news, this is how I found Norah during her nap today.

(didn't notice Pooh Bear in the same position until now) :)