I Was Never Told.........

"Well behaved Women Seldom Make History." ~Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Dear Readers,

Yesterday I visited the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY. It was an incredibly powerful and moving experience that I have been reflecting on today.

These are just a few of the incredible women I found myself surrounded by.

From there, I went to Elizabeth Cady Stanton's home. 

After that, I went to the Wesleyan Church where the first demands for Women's Rights was held. It was a powerful experience to be in that room where so many gathered so long ago.

The Declaration of Sentiments was etched into a never ending waterfall outside.

One of my favorite moments was visiting the statue of the "chance encounter" between Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

I was able to see the newspaper when Susan B. Anthony was arrested in Rochester, NY for trying to vote.

I have been reflecting today on my experience. 

I was never told:

• I had to get married.
• I could not get divorced.
• I could not own property.
• I could not go to college.
• I could not vote.
• I could not be a lawyer.....a doctor......a scientist.....an astronaut......
• I had to wear certain clothing.
• I could not wear make-up.
• I could not join the military.
• I could not practice the religion of my choice.
• I could not learn to read.....write.....speak.......
• I could not be a nurse......a journalist......a politician.

This was a powerful display at the visitor center that caused me to stop and reflect.

I was never told:

• I could not play with dolls.
• I could not play with trucks.
• I could not like pink.
• I could not like blue.
• I could not play with Barbies.
• I could not play with action figures.

This display in a local store also moved me.

I was never told:

• You cannot marry a man if that is who you love.
• "I could not find an appropriate card for you and your husband to be."
• People close to me would be victims of violence and prejudice based on who they love.
• How lucky I was to be born into the "right body" and feel comfortable in my own skin.
• That people close to me would be told they would not make "good parents" because of who they chose to spend their lives with.
• People I love and care about would be judged because of who they love. 
• I would be scared for people I love and care about. 

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Mya Angelou

"The best protection any woman can have......is courage." ~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Warmly,

Teresa