Honoring My Sons

Today is #nationalsonsday and it gives me an opportunity to reflect upon my three beautiful young men. I feel so blessed to be their mom. We think of unconditional love as something that a mother is supposed to offer her children, and for me, that path came easily. I do marvel though, at how much I also like them as people. They each have huge hearts, a solid inner compass, and a spirit of courage and resiliency that came from navigating tragedy at a young age. I am blessed to have three REALLY good men here. 

I also want to say this: As a society, we must lean more into our sons and celebrate and honor their masculinity. Many of you know, I’ve been a lifelong feminist and women’s work is the nucleus of my life’s purpose. My kids grew up with my activism as well as many spirited debates at dinner about the problem of the patriarchy.

What I have learned over the last few years, however, is that something very important is being lost in the messaging. Within my zeal to affect tangible change for women, I have overlooked at times what the path of being a young man is like, and how much men have been harmed by the societal constructs they were born into.

Through curiosity and conversation these three amazing beings have helped me course correct. My love for them taught me to listen, and their feedback has made me a better teacher, coach, mother, activist and human.

When we are able to hear each other with love, we all rise.

Thank you.  I honor you today  
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