And These Women

I wanted to call this blog, "And These Women." There's an episode of one of my favorite television shows, The West Wing, called The Crackpots and These Women." In this episode President Josiah Bartlett, his chief of staff and other advisors are talking about the wonderful women of the West Wing. Josh Lyman, played by the talented Bradley Whitford, is giving back his NSC card and says to the men: "I want to be a comfort to my friends in tragedy and I want to be able to celebrate with them in triumph. And for all the times in between, I just want to be able to look them in the eye. And these women." (Aaron Sorkin, The West Wing Season 1, Episode 5)

Those three words, "And these women," have stuck with me since the very first time I watched the episode in 1999. "And these women," struck a chord with me. During my lifetime I have been blessed to know and be influenced by amazing women. I see the importance of a supportive group in the lives of women. What is it about women that we build these relationships around ourselves? I know I'm not alone in this. So I hope to write about the beautiful people in my life.

And yet as women...we also tear each other apart. I'm a teacher to tweens in a smallish independent school, I see young women bully and wound each other with words on a regular basis...still. We are still doing this! Other weapons in our methods of assassination? Ostracize, shame, and scorn. There are more. So while I've had wonderful support, love and encouragement, as well as honesty, bravery and reality, there has also been a boatload of negative relationships as well.

So my blog is called Melissa So Far. I'm 56 years old, and I have been told repeatedly that I have stories to tell. That I have wisdom to impart. That I should "write a book." Humph, I'm not sure about the book, so I've started with a blog. Stay tuned, I have a story you should hear.

Comments

  1. SChalmersJanuary 30, 2019 at 5:14 PM

    I can not love this more than I already love you!!! Because you, my friend, are a PILLAR of love, support, comfort, and strength in my life and the lives of those around you. And now I can savor your words in written form as well as in my heart. You got this.
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  2. K.H.January 30, 2019 at 6:00 PM

    Melissa! Thanks for choosing this. I do look forward to what comes next.

    ReplyDelete

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