For Hannah
The light of a life desperately wanted
Has been put out before we could see
But that beautiful light has been relit
In a heaven where we all hope to be
We look forward to finally meeting you
To watch you learn, grow and play
And to tuck you in and say Goodnight
Knowing we’ll see you the following day
To celebrate your milestones
And chuckle at the cute things you do
Being proud of all your beauty
And the marvel that is you
But until then our dear Hannah
You will live inside our hearts
Although your earthly visit was brief
You will always play your unique part
As our daughter, grand daughter, sister, niece and cousin
A bond that will forever live
The idea of who you were going to be
Your memory will eternally give
We will never completely understand
Why you couldn’t stay
There must have been a phenomenal reason
For you to be taken away
I like to think that somewhere
In the mysterious heavens above
They were in need of immaculate angels
Who were to be born into genuine love
To become part of the family
That you were going to receive
Who would welcome, adore and treasure you
That’s what I choose to believe
“A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.”*
I’ve always been aware of gender conditioning and actively tried to combat any lingering prejudices or stereotypes in my own parenting, even down to encouraging dolls with my boys when they were little. It’s great to read people writing about gender issues they’re experiencing with their kids. For too long these subjects have been discouraged or silenced. I’d love to publish some more creative writing on this topic, especially if you are struggling with a child who actively tries to move away from gender normative preferences. A society where everyone can be themselves – thanks Gloria for those aspirational words.
* Gloria Steinem