Dolley Madison - How Do Women Compare Today?

With March being designated as Women's History Month, we cannot help but think about past women who deserve such recognition. In doing so, we might also think about women today and the impact of past women on our lives today. How do we measure up? Are we lots different from our past counterparts?

Let's take a look at Dolley Madison, one of the most favorite women of the past, for a comparison. This probably has nothing to do with her ties to North Carolina where she was born and educated, but her unforgettable spirit that lends itself to being able to chart new paths. Many have shared stories of her feats, her graceful nature, and her endeavors with their own daughters in hopes that they will embrace the same feelings of admiration.

First of all, she became the manager of a boarding house to supplement her family's income and help prevent her father's possible bankruptcy. She must have been well-suited in this position as her cheerful nature and gracefulness helped make the people she dealt with feel most comfortable.

It must have been difficult to deal with the death of her husband and one son after only three years of marriage. As a single woman and mother of a remaining son, she knew and accepted the challenges of life again.

It was through friendship with the famous Aaron Burr, that she was introduced to her second husband, James Madison. We like to think he was impressed by her gracefulness and maybe he recognized her fearlessness when dealing with life. Certainly, he was also impressed by her beauty as many others were. Whatever, she risked being ostracized from the Quaker religion in which she had been raised, to marry an Episcopalian.

She brought new life and ideas to the White House during both the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and her husband, James Madison. It is said that she became well-versed in the world of politics and was able to diplomatically defuse an argument many times

Today's annual Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn of the White House, could very possible be an innovation of Dolley Madison. There is no documentation to support this legend but she is often given credit for the event. What we do know is that she instrumental in leading the way for First Ladies to be involved in public events and causes. She was a fundraiser, a board member, and founder of an orphanage for young girls.

Most people, male and female, remember Dolley Madison for her role in the War of 1812. With the threat of Washington being burned and taken by the British, she was able to keep her wits in tack. Loading a wagon with important documents and furnishings from the White House, she was able to escape Washington.

When James Madison died, Dolley Madison once again was left destitute. She once again learned to work to survive and again can be credited with remaining of strong nature and pleasant. She continued to enjoy the company of others and knew how to make people feel comfortable as well as important.

We only can hope that as females today possibly facing issues dealing with destitution, loss and grief, criticism and no acceptance, we can remember life was not all that different for Dolley Madison. She was able to continue with what life had to offer, and it seems she accomplished this with definite grace and fearlessness.