March is “Women’s History Month” and I have been reflecting on all the amazing women is my life. I have been very fortunate for the women who have loved me dearly and helped me navigate life’s pathways. They have taught me to persevere and keep smiling on the journey no matter the difficulty. Marla is one of those special, brave women who embodies a myriad of personal attributes I am in awe of: compassionate, kind & powerful, a keen intellect, a teacher, a transformer and nuturer…and someone who never gives up on herself or others. No man can hold a candle to her!

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
– Michelle Obama, American First Lady

“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.”
– Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States

I’ll share amazing women in my life.

My daughter Lisa inspires me every day! She is a beautiful force for what is right and just. A hell of a business woman as well!

My daughter Stacy is a daily inspiration as well. She is a beautiful talent beyond measure. A “Double Wow” for sure!

My Mom gave me countless gifts on this journey. She worked very hard to keep a roof over our head when I was young. She taught me to keep smiling no matter the circumstances. She was a loving rock. I have never met a man who could do what she could do! “Thank you so much, Mom!

My sister Patty is someone I miss terribly! She was always there for me and I loved her so much! She bought my first sportcoat and suit in high school. Marla and I loved visiting her and the family on the Island of Guernsey! My niece Suzanne, shown above, is a superstar as well.

My grandmother was very special. She was a gifted baker of pies, cakes, and cookies.

My aunt Shirley was very kind and supportive to our family when we moved to Pleasant Hill after living in Germany. I miss her a lot!

I must include Marla’s Mother, Joline. I worked 18 years for her when I first came to Wesco Fabrics. She was very unique, tough as nails, and was brutal to work for…but she taught me a lot!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.