FalzoneM Week 8

    

My Heros

A short while ago it was International Women’s Day which made me realize that I have been really lucky to have grown up around such amazing women. As I saw different posts emerging online I did not feel that I could accurately describe the women in my life with any of the numerous appreciation pictures online. I decided that I would dedicate this blog to the two women who have made me strong, independent, and who I am today. 

     First I want to talk about my mother. Although cliche, my mom, Stephanie, is truly the most amazing woman I know. I have an incredibly close relationship with her and we are not only mother and daughter but best friends. We watch 90210 together, go on walks, and overall share an incredibly close bond. I love her because she is my mother but her many achievements are what help me believe in myself. My mom played Division 1 field hockey at Lafayette College before earning her degree and then pursuing her Masters Degree at Lehigh University. Her drive and talent on the field hockey field are something that I have always admired. I find myself jealous that she was so talented and I can only hope to reach towards the bar she has set so high. She has always pushed me out of my comfort zone in sports and for that, I am so grateful. It is not just the things she did before she had kids that inspire me, but also what she juggles now with 4 children. My mom currently works full-time and afterwork becomes a full-time mother doing laundry, making meals, cleaning the house, driving kids to sports, lessons, and appointments. Recently she has also gone back to school to earn her license to open a private counseling office. She never seems to run out of time or energy and always puts us first. No matter how tired she is or how much work she has left she always has a smile on her face. These are just several reasons why my mom has made me who I am. With such an amazing woman in my life, I have no reason to not strive to just like her and push myself to make her proud. 

     The second woman I would like to recognize is my grandmother, Gigi. Gigi is the most strong and independent woman I know. My grandmother graduated from the University of Pennsylvania back when women were not really being accepted to such prestigious schools. Despite this, she denies talking about her ability to get into such a college and credits her hard work for her success She then went back to school locally to obtain another degree before opening her own business while simultaneously working as a teacher. She is intelligent, tricky, and a true leader. I identify with my grandmother more than anyone else in my family. I too am defiant, bossy, but extremely independent. I like to control things just as much as she likes to boss people around. Together we are either the best team or each other's worst nightmare. Now at the age of 74, she is thinking about closing her business. To me this is heartbreaking but for her, it is just a time to move onto something new. I have no worries because her innovativeness will certainly drive her to do something more creative. 

    These two women are both special to me because of what they have accomplished in a world where women still are hindered from reaching their full potential. They are reminders to me that strength is the key to success.

Gigi with Hailey, my grandfather, and me

My mom with me, my dad, and Hailey