Mommy Meltdowns: Why I showed up.

Monumental. Simply put, this day was monumental. I can't find another way to describe what I was fortunate enough to be a part of. The Women's March is an event I will forever remember and feel so proud to be counted among those who showed up. Those who took a stand and had their voices heard. One of my favorite signs said, "So many concerns, I couldn't decide." Yes, exactly.

Women's rights. Equality among all races, religions and gender. The right to chose what happens to our bodies. The ability to marry regardless of being the same sex. Being kind. Not being a bully. All of it and more.

And boy did we show up. It has to have easily been one of the most attended marches that Washington DC has ever seen. In addition, there were 673 "sister" Marches around the world, all held on January 21st. According to reports 3 million participated globally! It was the single largest protest ever attended in a single day. In Washington DC I had never seen so many people before. Everywhere you looked, it was wall to wall people, as far as the eye could see. It was an amazing site. I didn't realize just how huge until I got back home and turned on CNN. To be a part of something so overwhelming and breathtaking is beyond inspiring. We are stronger together.

There were so many men, women and children who showed up that by the time the rally was over and the march was to begin the route was completely filled with people and no one could actually march. Wow!

My day started at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. They hosted a very meaningful program to kick off the Women's March with song and prayer. We then walked as a group, with a police escort, to where the Rally was going to be. The group I was with never even got close to the stage. It was impossible to get even remotely close. We stood by the side, watched the crowds, read the signs and soaked in our environment. It was amazing. A completely random moment was when former Secretary of State John Kerry went by walking his dog. What?? He was being swarmed with mobs of people, but it was pretty cool to see him among the people.

By 1:00pm, I had enough and left my group to head home. Considering we arrived downtown at 8:00am, 5 hours was plenty. I am not a big crowd person and this was a test of how much I could handle. But it was so important to me to be there.

I love the idea of unity and strength in numbers. We will be seen and counted! I personally represented all the women who didn't have the option to travel. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity in our "backyard". I hope I never take it for granted and always do my part to stand up for justice!

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