The Heroines of Today and Tomorrow

Posted by Judith Keim | 8:29 AM | 15 comments »

Recently, my granddaughters Jenna (9) and Josie (10) flew by themselves from Seattle, Washington, to spend a week with “Mimi and Papa”. We and several others anxiously awaited the flight, wondering if the girls had experienced fright, fought with each other or encountered any problems. When they burst forth from the exit after landing, they were calm, cool, collected and two of twelve children traveling unaccompanied!
Today’s youngest women are strong, inventive and willing to take risks in ways that weren’t even dreamed of not too many years ago. It made me wonder what the heroines in the books of tomorrow might be like.
History and social mores have determined, to a large degree, the limits of a woman’s role, but the inner strength of women at any given time is a mighty thing to behold. And the willingness to bolster others with that strength is something women everywhere simply do.
In my book FAT FRIDAYS, five women of varying ages and backgrounds meet for lunch on Fridays—no calories counted. Each supports the others as they struggle to find that inner core of strength in order to be true to herself.
In the future, heroines might travel to the moon or even to other planets as a matter of course and not a matter of fantasy. They might do things that seem unimaginable in today’s world. But I believe women of any time and place will continue to prove worthy of being real heroines even if their individual stories are never told.

15 comments

  1. Lara Santiago // August 20, 2009 at 8:54 AM  

    You know...I often write stories of women in the future and in my books they kick butt. :)
    L

  2. Judith Keim // August 20, 2009 at 9:11 AM  

    Lara, I love it! And, yes, I'm sure they do kick butt! Can't wait to read them! Thanks

  3. Beth Trissel // August 20, 2009 at 10:51 AM  

    Wonderful post. Love stories of strong women. My great grandmother was a doctor back in the 1800's, unheard of, plus she was a missionary doctor in China and founded a clinic that has grown into a sizable hospital today. :)

  4. Judith Keim // August 20, 2009 at 11:57 AM  

    Great, Beth. I come from a family of strong women, too. It always fascinates me to know of women who survive, lead, and give to others.

  5. Jianne Carlo // August 20, 2009 at 2:34 PM  

    Love the title Judy. Can't wait to read.

    Jianne

  6. Mary Marvella // August 20, 2009 at 3:00 PM  

    Judy,
    Can't wait to read that book. Your granddaughters sound like my daughter was, gutsy. Good blog!

  7. Toni V.S. // August 20, 2009 at 3:45 PM  

    As one of my heroes tells the woman he'll eventually marry, "I never did want a woman I could bully." Your heroines sound as if they're his kind of woman!

  8. Judith Keim // August 20, 2009 at 3:46 PM  

    Thanks, everyone! We all like gutsy people and I'm pleased to see even the youngest strut their stuff! LOL

  9. Josie // August 20, 2009 at 4:38 PM  

    Hurray for your young grandchildren. They are the strong young ladies of the future.

  10. Mary Ricksen // August 20, 2009 at 7:51 PM  

    Women have flexed their muscles and just began to use the strength that was always in them.
    Aren't we amazing!
    I have to admit that 9 and 10, your granddaughters show a lot of confidence like we never had.

  11. Scarlet Pumpernickel // August 20, 2009 at 8:15 PM  

    Judy, this summer we took a trip which required a flight from Atlanta to NYC and on to Spain. My then 9 year old granddaughter went along. This was her first flight! She was such a brave little trooper! And the return trip she was a pro! Took to flying like a duck to water! She will be one of those kick butt heroines one day!

  12. Pamela Varnado // August 20, 2009 at 9:32 PM  

    Judy,
    I believe that God made women strong. Often we're the backbone of a family. Just look at the many hats we wear today--mother, wife, employee, housekeeper, cook, childcare provider, the list is endless. To make a long story short, WOMEN ROCK!!!

  13. Mona Risk // August 21, 2009 at 12:08 AM  

    Judy, great post.

    Beth when will write a story based on your great grandmother's story??

    Yes, young women are something these days. You should hear my little granddaughters, 5 and 3 who talk lke if they were 20 and 25.

  14. Judith Keim // August 21, 2009 at 10:22 AM  

    Thanks, everyone! It's great to know that women everywhere feel the same...we've had to be strong. Scarlett, fun to know that your granddaughter had such fun! I love sharing experiences with mine... And, Mona, mine are 9 and 10 going on 30 and 96! Wise beyond words...

  15. Dayana // August 21, 2009 at 11:10 PM  

    Wonderful post, Judy. I remember waiting for my twelve year old God child in the Philadelphia airport wondering the same things. Though this kid was well-traveled by the age of 5 so... LOL

    But excellent point. Who knows where the heros and heroines will be tomorrow. Or what they will be doing. We can only imagine.

    Thanks for you post.

    Dayana~