4 Daughters

This, my first post, will begin to create a history of my life with 4 daughters. 4 truly, unbelievable daughters, by every standard. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this.

I grew up between two boys. As a young girl, I prayed every night, "... please God, give me a sister." I tell that story each time someone asks me in front of my girls, "Didn't you want a boy?" I always respond, "I asked for a sister so many times, He finally answered."

Our society, despite the concept that boys and girls are equal, does not view or treat girls the same way as it does boys. In raising my daughters, I have completely disregarded that fact and have not allowed them to perceive themselves as second-rate citizens. When I was growing up, I always knew I didn't count in the same way my brothers did, in our schools or in my parents' eyes. I wanted that to change for my girls.

But in a positive way. Any minority, that views themselves as inferior or oppressed, can never succeed in finding equality. Only when you see yourself as equal, not superior or inferior, can you become just that.

So, my first lesson to my daughters has always been, "You are an individual." I've never compared them to anyone else. Not me, not their sisters, not their friends. Not as a girl vs. a boy.

"Never again will there be anyone like you" is a powerful message.

Tell that to yourself and think about what it means. It is truly significant.