Ruby, what a wonderful story you have written. Your writing makes me think and feel. For that to happen, for me, the author has to touch me in many ways. Monika has touched my life in so many ways, and now you have as well.
Ruby! I have loved reading all of your stories! This one is especially charged for me since I was there, trying to finish my high school education along with Monika. While my story is different, your telling this story and how it influenced the world at that time, touches me deeply. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us. Monika was always an impressive writer so I’m not surprised that you are too!
This was an incredible story Ruby! I loved being able to learn more about the fascinating woman that has been so impactful in both you and your mothers life. So proud of all the work you have been doing, you truly are making the world a better place :)
I applaud you for your beautiful & insightful writing. It’s apparent from your writings that family is paramount. I attended CCHS with both your grandparents. I didn’t learn of this story until years later since I graduated in ‘67 with your grandfather. I’ve come to ‘know’ and admire Monika via FB. She’s such a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, courage, skill, and heart. I hope you grow up just like her ... you’re well on your way. I’m certainly not dismissing the role your mother Pia has played in your exceptional growth as a young woman! However, it’s apparent that the relationship between grandparent & grandchild is uniquely special ... something I never experienced and am envious of. You are so fortunate to have Monika in your universe!
Great to read, Ruby. I never knew about the MOMO piece, and I wonder if it still exists. Your grandmother was always outspoken, and that is one of the things I have always admired about her. Thank you.
Hello Ruby, My name is Meredith Maruyama and I think I met you at church a couple of years ago when you were in Seattle visiting your grandmother. I love this story about Monika. I did not know of her history but have always loved her for her outspokenness, love for others, and energy.
I do encourage you to keep writing throughout your life. There are many stories just waiting to be written and you can write them. I thank your grandmother for sharing this example of your talent. Be well, Meredith
Hi Meredith! I paused when I read you describe Monika as outspoken because her delivery is always so kind, compassionate and full of truth that it’s easy to overlook that she is always pushing boundaries and challenging the things that are unfair, wrong or even just lazy thinking.
Your newsletter brought up issues that have not changed very much. Especially that women still have to move forward without the male counterpart taking as much responsibility. Your grandmother rose above that issue and your grandfather was beside her. There was not much said about Monika and Pia in our house across the street even though it could have been a great topic in a family of 5 girls and 1 boy. I did get to meet Pia as a tiny little baby though.
Thank you for continuing the movement by “Writing for feminism.” I’ve also quite enjoyed you selection of visuals. I grew up in the Middle East where girls at about 13 were married to adult men they had not even met. These girls had multiple babies that had reached their teens by the time they were in their 20s! A different problem on the other side of the pond, but still having to do with the inequities. Two such woman were my grandmothers.
Wow! Thank you for sharing. I have always been interested in this concept of feminism and it really is fascinating how prevalent it is in modern times. Enjoy your week!
Indeed. Ruby’s piece is the start of much to think about. Her story took my mind to so many places and stories, as I was reading it! I was born and lived in Tehran, Iran for my first decade.
I think it is later in life that we begin to realize the enormity of sacrifice and responsibility these very young women took on. Feminism is so much deeper when thinking about the stories of those before us. We had so hoped to visit Iran when we lived in Dubai but politics ruined that dream. I plan to keep it on my bucket list though. Such an incredible country with amazing people.
I dream of going back to visit some time. Currently reading a book that is taking me back to all the sights, sounds, smells. Just all the memories. In case of interest, it’s called “Everything sad is untrue”, a true story by Daniel Nayeri. Written in the form of Sheherezade of 1001 nights. Highly recommend.
What a beautiful depiction of the ways Monika has always been part of those who live on the horizon, grasping important new concepts early and turning them into vibrant realities and transformative changes in people's lives. I first knew Monika when I was 13 and she was amazing even then: astonishingly talented in the arts, gracious yet outspoken in every way, always a pioneer who helped others along the pathway, inspiring them to join her. She continues to serve in this visionary role to this very day, helping us all perceive again in new ways. I am fortunate to have been her fellow student in Colorado and now her neighbor in Seattle. You are very much like her, Ruby!
Ruby, what a wonderful story you have written. Your writing makes me think and feel. For that to happen, for me, the author has to touch me in many ways. Monika has touched my life in so many ways, and now you have as well.
Another beautiful story Ruby! I'm so proud of you and of Monika for being true change makers!
Ruby! I have loved reading all of your stories! This one is especially charged for me since I was there, trying to finish my high school education along with Monika. While my story is different, your telling this story and how it influenced the world at that time, touches me deeply. Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us. Monika was always an impressive writer so I’m not surprised that you are too!
I really appreciate you taking the time to read them. It means a lot :)
I am so lucky that my mom had friends in HS that accepted, supported, and loved her and me!
I’m the lucky one!
This was an incredible story Ruby! I loved being able to learn more about the fascinating woman that has been so impactful in both you and your mothers life. So proud of all the work you have been doing, you truly are making the world a better place :)
Thank you for all your support!
I applaud you for your beautiful & insightful writing. It’s apparent from your writings that family is paramount. I attended CCHS with both your grandparents. I didn’t learn of this story until years later since I graduated in ‘67 with your grandfather. I’ve come to ‘know’ and admire Monika via FB. She’s such a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, courage, skill, and heart. I hope you grow up just like her ... you’re well on your way. I’m certainly not dismissing the role your mother Pia has played in your exceptional growth as a young woman! However, it’s apparent that the relationship between grandparent & grandchild is uniquely special ... something I never experienced and am envious of. You are so fortunate to have Monika in your universe!
I am so grateful for her in my life. Thank you so much for your support!
Great to read, Ruby. I never knew about the MOMO piece, and I wonder if it still exists. Your grandmother was always outspoken, and that is one of the things I have always admired about her. Thank you.
She is quite an extraordinary person. I will ask about the MOMO doll and let you know where it is right now. Enjoy your day!
Well written and documented. Allowing your grandmother’s voice to lead the way in this article was truly powerful.
A very interesting account of your Grandmother's courage and activism for equality rights for all women! Well done Ruby.
jb
Hello Ruby, My name is Meredith Maruyama and I think I met you at church a couple of years ago when you were in Seattle visiting your grandmother. I love this story about Monika. I did not know of her history but have always loved her for her outspokenness, love for others, and energy.
I do encourage you to keep writing throughout your life. There are many stories just waiting to be written and you can write them. I thank your grandmother for sharing this example of your talent. Be well, Meredith
Hi Meredith! I paused when I read you describe Monika as outspoken because her delivery is always so kind, compassionate and full of truth that it’s easy to overlook that she is always pushing boundaries and challenging the things that are unfair, wrong or even just lazy thinking.
Wow! I remember meeting you :) I am so glad you enjoyed this story. I hope that when the pandemic lightens up a bit, we can see you again at church.
Lovely Ruby. Very powerful
Thank you so much!
Thank you, Cea, for coming along for this ride. It means a lot to Ruby.
a remarkable family!
Your newsletter brought up issues that have not changed very much. Especially that women still have to move forward without the male counterpart taking as much responsibility. Your grandmother rose above that issue and your grandfather was beside her. There was not much said about Monika and Pia in our house across the street even though it could have been a great topic in a family of 5 girls and 1 boy. I did get to meet Pia as a tiny little baby though.
I am so glad you enjoyed it! I always love learning about the past and how relatable the issues still are to modern day. Thank you for your support :)
Hey Ruby. This is the first story I could access. Well written and interesting. Thank you for sharing.
I really appreciate your support! Thank you :)
What a wonderful and insightful article.
Thank you for continuing the movement by “Writing for feminism.” I’ve also quite enjoyed you selection of visuals. I grew up in the Middle East where girls at about 13 were married to adult men they had not even met. These girls had multiple babies that had reached their teens by the time they were in their 20s! A different problem on the other side of the pond, but still having to do with the inequities. Two such woman were my grandmothers.
Wow! Thank you for sharing. I have always been interested in this concept of feminism and it really is fascinating how prevalent it is in modern times. Enjoy your week!
I appreciate you commenting and sharing your story. So much to think about with this topic. Where did you grow up in the Middle East?
Indeed. Ruby’s piece is the start of much to think about. Her story took my mind to so many places and stories, as I was reading it! I was born and lived in Tehran, Iran for my first decade.
I think it is later in life that we begin to realize the enormity of sacrifice and responsibility these very young women took on. Feminism is so much deeper when thinking about the stories of those before us. We had so hoped to visit Iran when we lived in Dubai but politics ruined that dream. I plan to keep it on my bucket list though. Such an incredible country with amazing people.
Precisely.
I dream of going back to visit some time. Currently reading a book that is taking me back to all the sights, sounds, smells. Just all the memories. In case of interest, it’s called “Everything sad is untrue”, a true story by Daniel Nayeri. Written in the form of Sheherezade of 1001 nights. Highly recommend.
I will see if they have it at our library and if not order it from Book Depository. Thank you. I am always up for a good book. I love the title.
What a beautiful depiction of the ways Monika has always been part of those who live on the horizon, grasping important new concepts early and turning them into vibrant realities and transformative changes in people's lives. I first knew Monika when I was 13 and she was amazing even then: astonishingly talented in the arts, gracious yet outspoken in every way, always a pioneer who helped others along the pathway, inspiring them to join her. She continues to serve in this visionary role to this very day, helping us all perceive again in new ways. I am fortunate to have been her fellow student in Colorado and now her neighbor in Seattle. You are very much like her, Ruby!