‘I wish I could have thanked her’
She has had a profound impact on my life. We never met, we never spoke. I rarely heard her voice. Growing up as a young adult I rarely saw her on television. However, her impact on my life has been truly immeasurable — down to life experiences. I wish I could have thanked her. Thanked her from my very core.
1978: I played collegiate volleyball at a private liberal arts university. Our team had to pay for our own uniforms, our transportation to SEC games, and even our meals at Cracker Barrel restaurants (cheap chicken sandwiches). I ruptured my Achilles tendon, had surgery and used crutches for months to get to my classes. Football players whisked past me on their college provided golf carts. I was late to class, they were on time ... Thank you, Ruth, for Title IX.
1990: I worked for a Fortune 500 company for many years, loved my job, and after 10 years found out one day that I was indeed not paid the same salary as my male counterparts ...
Thank you, Ruth, for the Equal Pay Act.
I have had friends who, after strife-filled days, have chosen to end a pregnancy. It is a woman’s choice to make decisions regarding her own body... Thank you, Ruth, for the Right to Choose.
I witness how she lives her life, her dedication to her friends, to family, and to strangers. I see her deep friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia. I wish for politicians to do the same and set an example for all Americans. We will always be stronger working together rather than apart. More than ever we need strong leaders who demonstrate partisanship in Washington.
Thank you, Ruth, for your passion, drive, character and respect of others
We strive to raise our children to recognize role models, watch and learn and soak up their every action, word and deed.
Thank you, Ruth for being that role model for young children everywhere.
Allowing her death to drive us into this political vitriol is not a way to thank her. She would not only be saddened, but angered that we took her life and turned it into something that drives a reckless political agenda. Is this how we thank her? Three hours after her death we announce forging ahead with a nominee? I will not. And I have enough faith that many Americans have stories just like mine — people who want to thank her for her impact on their lives.
Thank you, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Hundreds of times over, I thank you.