Last week we lost a giant of the Supreme Court. This week I was reminded of the many things she has done for women. Boo Bear finally got approved for disability. Earlier, I had tried to open a bank account for him but was denied because, though I had the guardianship papers, I did not have a paper that said I was the “representative payee”. Apparently, these are the magic words that a parent or guardian needs to open a bank account for their adult child. To my delight, this piece of paper came in the mail and I promptly took it to the bank. It took about an hour of work to get the account set up, but the banker lady was more than gracious and patient with me. As we were going through the pages of paperwork it occured to me that without the tireless work of RBG, I would not be able to do any of this as a woman. Before Ruth, women could not open a bank account on their own, have their own credit card, rent an apartment by themselves or purchase birth control without the express consent of their husband. I have been able to do all of these things. I am so grateful. So, as I signed the final documents to give Boo Bear his bank account and some financial security, I sent up a tiny prayer of thanks to Ruth. May her memory be a blessing to all of us.
Harriet's Hedgehogs and Autism Advocacy 