Appreciation Shown for a Modern Day Rosie

Post #50 – Rosie’s Daughters: The “First Woman To” Generation Tells Its Story by Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett

A Modern Day Rosie the Riveter

Kendra and I love hearing stories of women who remind us of the strength and courage that Rosie the Riveter represents. We recently received the following and decided to share it with you.

Dixie

by Rebecca Wallace

My best friend is celebrating her 40th birthday in a few days. Because of the dynamic individual she is, I bought her a Rosie Legacy Bandana and shirt. I don’t have a picture of her wearing her outfit yet, but I wanted to share with you why she epitomizes your motto–strength, courage, and empowerment.

Dixie is the dedicated mother of five children, ranging in age from 8 to 17. She is the supportive wife of an active duty Air Force Major, whose career has moved the family several times, and has taken him away from home frequently. One especially challenging assignment had him gone for 220 days a year for four straight years. Often alone, Dixie’s strength held their expanding family together during that time. Her patriotism, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation’s freedom is inspiring.

As is typical of Dixie, she does not shirk work. Presently, she serves as the head of a large children’s organization at church, with responsibility for over 100 children, a Cub Scout program, a girl’s activities program, and a large volunteer staff of teachers and leaders. This is an unpaid church assignment which consumes a good deal of her time, but one which capitalizes on her excellent administrative abilities.

Dixie’s hands are never idle. She owns an embroidery business, which she operates from her home. Late into the night, lights can be seen illuminating her studio where project after project is brought to completion. Somehow she finds the time to garden and tend flower beds, which with her care have blossomed here in the desert Southwest–no small feat.

I don’t remember a day going by when Dixie hasn’t taken a meal to someone in need, or dropped off homemade bread or cookies, or cared for children, or cut hair, or helped with homework, or provided rides, or refinished furniture, or rendered First Aid–her list of daily accomplishments and service to others is seemingly endless. She meets each day with courage and purpose.

Naturally modest, Dixie would never tell you any of these things, nor find them extraordinary. She sees what must be done, and DOES IT! In our day, where people are more interested in entitlement than empowerment, Dixie is a reminder of the legacy of Rosie the Riveter.

We Agree

Dixie, thanks for all you do to make this a better place for your family and for others. We think Rosie the Riveter would be proud of you and delighted to see you in your Rosie the Riveter Legacy Bandana.