To My Daughters

To my daughters, Raven Jay and Makani Vai,

Today is March 8, 2021 - International Women’s Day. It’s a day that we get to celebrate all women, in all their diversities, embracing their facets and intersections of faith, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual identity, or disability. We celebrate those who came before us, those who stand beside us now, and those who will come after. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of women, whether social, political, economic or cultural.

Women have come so far in the past 20 years, and it’s difficult to imagine what our world will be like in another 20 years when you’re grown. By the time you read this, I hope that you know that I wasn’t a perfect mother - as a mom in her mid-40’s trying to raise two young girls under the age of 7 and trying to manage a work-life balance, I lost my temper on occasion, I lost my patience, and I failed a lot. There are times that I wish I could sit with you more - read to you, play with you, teach you things….about everything and share all of the good feelings about life with you. There were times I could have shown you more compassion and kindness than raising my voice. I hope that when you have the opportunity and ability to make a difference in this world, that you use YOUR VOICES, for courage for yourself and others. That you use your voice that deserves to be heard to help others compassionately and unselfishly, yes - even if you're the only brown-skinned kid in school. No matter where your paths lead you, know that you will be judged for the choices you make about your ambitions. Mommy was in nursing school before she found her passion in helping others make a difference in technology - maybe you'll learn about the dot com bubble in history books, but I’ve never once regretted my decision. And while I am proud to be where I am, in a company that respects differences and empowers team members, my biggest accomplishment will be you - a direct reflection of my life’s work and effort. I am who I am because of both of you. You are what I am most proud of - thank you for allowing me to raise you, even when it's not my best-self. 

Happy International Women’s Day,

Your mom, your imperfect mom