I've been pondering the connection women have with each other. My daughter experienced this connection as she walked over Utah prairie for four days pushing a handcart in a pioneer simulation. The highlight of her experience as well as many others was an event called the women's pull. The women's pull refers to the part of the trail in which the young women and women pushed their handcarts up a steep hill. The men at the top were not allowed to help on this section of the trail. These women of all ages, linked arms at the base of the trail, they talked about the steep trail ahead, acknowledged the power and love of heaven as well as the power and love of each woman there. They talked of the women that went before them - pioneer women. They spoke of angels. Then each went to their handcarts and started the ascent. Many men were in tears and amazed at the determination and power of the women they watched pulling the handcarts. One young man said, "I watched them get to the top, then go back down and help the others, it was awesome." Another commented how humbling it was as a guy to watch that. The inspired leader of the men, told the men, "You will want to help them as you see them coming up. One of the things we learn, is that some challenges we will need to face on our own. There are challenges our loved ones will face on their own. The feeling of helplessness we feel today might be preparation for something further down the road, like a loved one who is ill, or a friend at school with a challenge and sometimes all we can do is offer love and encouragement and be there for them. Think about the role you could take to ease the burden of the women you love in your life."
I saw the photos and videos of these powerful women, perhaps not in stature, but assuredly powerful souls, shoulder to shoulder pulling the handcarts at the front and pushing from behind. Buckets carrying the belongings of both the women and the men weighted each handcart. The strain was visible in each woman, but the determination was even more visible.
It makes me weep just to see it again in my mind and I'm asking myself why. In a conversation with one of the young men, we determined that both young men and young women felt a deep respect for the load the women carried. He could see that both men and women see, respond and contribute differently, because of the innate and unique gifts of each gender. There on the prairie, on a hot day, in pioneer clothes, in a simulation, that reality was visible and tangible. The sisterhood was visible and tangible.
Sisterhood. Caring. Understanding. Memories include my neighbor who washed my dishes and prepared raspberry tea for me after the birth of one of my children, my amazing and adorable 12-year-old neighbor who knocked on my door last week and said "Did you see the sunset? I didn't want you to miss it!" My sister, who sends the most endearing texts. My mother who expresses her encouragement and faith in me. My daughters, who hug and validate me. The women who helped teach my children as we homeschooled them together. I treasure the conversations I had with women from Africa and the Carribean at the United Nations, with whom I felt a sisterhood. There is nothing like it anywhere! I don't have words to describe that deep and abiding comfort, the validation and understanding that another woman or girl gives. I understand there are many things I must face on my own, but I also sense deeply that other women who face their challenges as well, cheer me on, have my back, and share the victories. My sisters, I love you.
