A never to be forgotten conversation with my mother

Grandmothers

My Great Grandmother, Abigail Jenkins Fawcett, was born on 2/27/1873. At the time of Abigail's birth, American women were not allowed to vote. I never had the privilege of meeting Abigail and I have no idea if she had an opinion about women voting. If she didn't have an opinion I assume she didn't think an opinion was important.

My Grandmother, Julia Judith Mayse, was born 12/14/1905. At the time of Julia's birth, American women still were not allowed to vote. As far as I know, Julia never voted. However, I remember talking to her about women voting. She told me if I wanted to vote I should and I should vote for the best man running. She said it didn't matter if he's a Democrat or a Republican.

My Mother, Thelma Louise Masters, was born on 2/6/1925. Five years before Mom was born the 19th Amendment granted American women the right to vote. I don't think Mom ever voted. However, she did say that when I grew up I should vote if I wanted to and she echoed my Grandmother's advice to vote for the best man and it didn't matter if he's a Democrat or a Republican.

My name is Betty Louise Rose. I was born on 8/22/1951. At the time of my birth, American women had only been allowed to vote for 31 years. I remember one evening in 1960, I was 9 years old, I was alone in the living room. I was watching TV and listening to Richard Nixon and John Kennedy speak.

I now know I was listening to a debate. I am in no way a political genius. Back then or now,. I'm just an everyday woman doing the best I can. There's a lot I know and probably more I don't know about politics.

As I was listening to Richard Nixon and John Kennedy my mom came into the room. I asked my mom who could be president. She answered, "Anyone honey. Anyone can be president." I looked at her and said, "Well, I think I will be president." As she looked at me she giggled and said, "Honey, you can't be president. Women can't be president."