I received this blog with a request to post today. I am thrilled to be able to do so. The message is very powerful.

A few weeks ago I was lamenting the fact that all too often women seem to thwart the growth and promotion of their fellow females rather than mentoring, encouraging and supporting them. In the past two weeks I have learned that women do support women when it counts…

My 18 year old daughter, who has always been the picture of health, has had a very tough beginning to 2008. She had an emergency appendectomy and two days later suffered complications that led to not one, but two life threatening surgeries. She remains in the hospital and is looking at a lengthy recovery period. As the women in my life – friends, clients, colleagues and acquaintances – learned of the situation, the emails, text messages and phone calls started pouring in. Warm thoughts and prayers were sent for her speedy recovery. Some arranged to provide meals for my family; others arranged rides, homework help and care for my other two children. Some arranged for doctor-friends to call and visit the hospital. Cards, flowers, magazines and stuffed animals were sent to the hospital and to my home. All these women lead busy lives. They have families and jobs. They rallied to support a fellow woman when it really counted.

I am forever thankful for the wonderful women in my life.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen