Are You There, Judy? It's Me, Megan

I got an email from Judy Blume yesterday. It was, of course, not personal, but a message sent out to anyone who has donated to Planned Parenthood (for the record, not that it should matter to anyone--I'm not pro-abortion-for-abortion's-sake, I'm pro-CHOICE, and pro-women's rights). But it made me smile in startled surprise, because the subject line said, "Are you there, Megan? It's me, Judy."

Judy Blume, is, of course, the genius author of classic books such as Superfudge, Forever, and the book that I credit with getting me through puberty in one piece, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. I still have my beloved, worn copy of Margaret on my bookcase.

Judy is awesome because she has never been afraid to take on subjects that confuse children--sex, religion, puberty--and make them something kids can understand and not be afraid of. She's also capable of writing hysterical stories (who didn't giggle reading about poor Peter, the fourth-grade-nothing, big brother to Superfudge?) that engage children and foster a love of reading. Judy's books are the first chapter books I can recall reading and re-reading.

So seeing her name in my email inbox gave me a happy, nostalgic feeling. I read her message with delight:

Dear Megan,

If you are the daughter whose mom had the guts to give you the answers to questions you couldn't quite figure out how to ask...

If you are the son whose mother raised you to love and respect your sisters and wives and daughters...

If you know a mother who is struggling to raise strong, independent, and confident children in the face of unbelievable odds...

...Say thanks. Say thanks this Mother's Day with a gift that honors her courage by making a donation to Planned Parenthood in her name. I guarantee you that she'll be pleased. I know I would be.

I'm a mom, and I'm also a writer and an activist. Nothing has made me prouder than seeing my own children — and really, all young people — grow up to be healthy, educated, and in charge of their bodies and their lives. That's where Planned Parenthood comes in. There is no organization that I know of that supports motherhood and all that it means more than Planned Parenthood. That's why I'm honoring moms everywhere with my gift to Planned Parenthood today.

It's not easy to be a mother these days. And right now — with more and more women seeking care from Planned Parenthood health centers — we need to do all we can to support them. By honoring a mother in your life, you'll be making a gift to millions of mothers and families who seek care from Planned Parenthood. That's a gift any mother will appreciate.

Sincerely,


Judy Blume, on behalf of Planned Parenthood

I read it and vaguely thought it would make for a cute blog--hey! I got an email from Judy Blume!--but then I got busy with other stuff and forgot.

This afternoon, I recieved another message from Planned Parenthood's director, Cecile Richards:

Megan —

Yesterday, Judy Blume — a beloved writer and icon to generations of women — graciously wrote a letter about Mother's Day for Planned Parenthood. Now, anti-choice extremists are inundating her with hate mail and phone calls. We rarely respond to these outrageous attacks, but when it comes to Judy Blume ... well, I can't stand by and do nothing. I just can't.

Please, let her know how much we appreciate her courage!

Say thanks and send her a note of support. Click here.
Spread the word. Please send an e-mail to friends, and post this message on your social network, blog, and twitter.
Nothing — NOTHING — would make Judy happier than to know that the backlash has resulted in more support for Planned Parenthood and the women we serve.
Thank you, thank you —

Cecile

So I'm doing my part. My Little Pink Blog doesn't have tons and tons of readers, but I know there are some of you who cruise through here from time to time. Let's show Judy some love!