An illustration depicts Editor-In-Chief Molly Harwell posing with some of the influential women in her life. Harwell is grateful for these women and the lessons they have taught her. “To the women in my life: thank you. No matter if we are related, the best of friends or even just acquaintances, I can assure you that you have changed my life in significant ways.” Illustration by Antonio Starks
Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell writes an open letter to the women in her life to commemorate the ways they have impacted her.
To the women in my life,
I have always been inspired by you. You are the strong pillars of my life, the glue that holds it all together. You have each played such a significant role and have taught me so much about being a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece and a friend.
Each one of you, the epitome of beauty and strength. I am so incredibly grateful for all that you have done for me.
To my mom: thank you. You showed me what it means to love fiercely and live fully. I see it in the way you care for others, the way you care for the Athens community. I see it in the way you laugh too loud and hug too hard. I see it in myself.
There has never been a moment where I haven’t felt loved by you, even when I know I don’t deserve it. From you, I learned patience, strength, kindness, and the joy of laughter. Everything I am is because of you.
To my grandmothers: I admire your resilience. You have each walked through so much and never fail to come out on the other side with your heads held high.
Thank you for showing me that memories are more valuable than gold and that nothing should ever be taken for granted.
Thank you for showing me that memories are more valuable than gold and that nothing should ever be taken for granted.
It has been the greatest honor to get to learn from you both and take in all of your wisdom, and I truly don’t think that I would be who I am without you. Thank you.
To my friends: gosh, I love y’all.
You are the only people that I would stay up until 5 a.m. playing “Just Dance” with and the only people who can tell what’s going on with me by a single look.
I think British journalist, author and podcaster for The Sunday Times, Dolly Alderton said it best when she said, “Nearly everything I know about love, I’ve learnt from my long-term friendships with women.”
You showed me the importance of leaning on others and what true friendship looks like. I am forever grateful for all of the times you have made me cry from laughing. Thank you for showing me that I’m never too much, that I’m never alone.
To the women in my life: thank you. No matter if we are related, the best of friends or even just acquaintances, I can assure you that you have changed my life in significant ways.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for keeping it real. I love you all.
Sincerely, Molly
