On the weekend I took part in a conference for women, Nurturing Ourselves. A large group of women came together to relax and laugh, learn about themselves and to connect with other women. I met some incredible, strong, smart funny women all of whom lead full lives and for the most part recognize caring for themselves is vital to their future. Many women were in the sandwich generation and then there were the younger women, bright, articulate and self assured. We were entertained by the NB Rebelles Gumboot Troop, young women who performed a rhythmic drum dance with gumboots. The dance began in Africa when men were shackled to work in the water filled mines, they were given gumboots and were not allowed to speak. They developed a whole voice for themselves by drumming on their boots. The young women who developed their own gumboot drum group based their performance on speaking out against oppression, aggression and capitalism. A very moving and striking performance.

In the evening I attended my daughter's Nursing graduating class pin dinner. It was a very special evening and the class of approximately forty students, four young men and the rest smart, beautiful radiant young women. Their smiles and pride in their huge accomplishment of finishing the first two year accelerated degree program was a joy to be part of that special evening.

All the young women of the weekend were a reminder of what the future will be in their capable and caring hands committed to a bright future and to making a real difference. As I watched my daughter with her friends celebrating raising their voices in a rousing cheer my heart was filled with JOY for this is the future, our daughters.

Follow the JOY!  Debra Quartermain, CEO!