"Head...Shoulders...Knees and...SOCKS!"

Today was the March for Women's Lives on the National Mall. Hundreds of thousands of people were there, marching to support women's rights and reproductive rights. Was I there with my family? Unfortunately No. Did I want to be there? Heck yeah!

Last night Spouse and I went out on a big date. We were dining out in Dupont Circle enjoying coffee and dessert, and there were so many people there (men, women, and children) wearing pins, buttons, stickers, and shirts in support of the rally and rights. It was so cool, and it made me want to go even more. I told Spouse that if we were able to go, I would make Child a little t-shirt that read "My Mommy...Her Choice!" The unified spirit that was in the air was electric, and it was still only the night before. Our waiter Ryan, was telling us how awesome things had been in the neighborhood with additional Pride rallies and a Take Back the Night rally, and then there were those pesky IMF/World Bank protesters. We even saw some more celebrities who were also in town for the weekend's events.

Now why weren't we there? Because we were doing good elsewhere in the world. For quite a few years now, I've been working with students, teaching them to make sock monkeys which are then donated to local children's shelters, hospitals, the like. It is usually a lot of fun. In fact the best time was when I was working with a bunch of fraternity boys, who were sitting in front of the tv, watching Maryland basketball, sewing, and not wanting to give up their monkeys.

So there we were, up bright and early to teach kids to make monkeys, but I really wanted to be on the Mall. One of the girls (probably in 6th grade) had to leave early because her mom was "making her go to the march." She didn't want to go, and I asked why. Her answer "Because I don't want to march!" I told her that it would be way cool, and she would be part of history. She said that seemed cool, and she left early with her mom. But we stayed on to sew monkeys.

After we got home, I was eventually able to get online to check out news articles and photos from the rally. I felt a little sad that I couldn't be there, but I'm sure there will be other opportunities to take Child to his first rally (after all, we live in DC!) I will support the cause in other ways, and do what I can to protect my right to choose. I feel that as a woman I should have safe, legal, medical options available to me should I ever need one. I know that Spouse feels the same way, and I would like any daughter I may have, or any woman my son becomes involved with to have that same option.