How Awful My ‘Day Without Women’ Could Have Been

International Women's Day was Wednesday (3/8) and I had a big problem with one aspect of how it was to be celebrated.

When I logged onto Facebook Wednesday morning I noticed the expression, 'A Day Without Women.' It didn't take long for me to find out what the day's mission of solidarity was to be. Women across the globe were encouraged to not go to work, to not engage in business, no putting money into the economy and the like. That seems ludicrous to me. Prove how effective women are in society by not participating in it. I understand the impact this movement was to create. I don't wish to disparage anyone who did sort of 'check out' for the day but I'm glad the women I encountered for the day chose to show up and again prove how my life would be adversely affected if they weren't there.

These women have changed many lives and I can't imagine life without them. Thank God I didn't have to. I celebrate these amazing women that I'm blessed to know.

First, my morning show partner Mandy. She shows up and puts in great work so we can entertain and inform every weekday morning. She makes an enormous contribution to the show and to the radio station and frankly my mornings would be quite a struggle without her there.

My colleague Midday Michelle. Before anything else, I strongly dislike any day that doesn't include her incredible smile. It's so authentic and one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. I love my interactions with her. She makes me laugh regularly and has taught me many new ways to look at life.

This next photo features a woman very important to my heart and other women very important to Rockford families. These women work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Swedish American Hospital. These women save brand new lives everyday. Imagine if they didn't show up to work today.

Here's that woman that means so much to my heart. She is my girlfriend Amy. This photo is really about 2 women. Today she was an important part of several babys' struggle to survive and a willing recipient of a Blarney Scone from Great Harvest Bread, which I picked up on my way to visit and thank her and her colleagues. I'm thankful that Barb from Great Harvest went to work, as she does everyday, and made those scones by hand before many of us wake up in the morning.

If you deal with any kind of chronic pain, you understand how it can dramatically change your life. The pain causes you to stop doing things you love and destroys your quality of life. Twenty-four years ago I broke a bone in my left foot playing tennis, and as a result, a 4-inch titanium screw was inserted. Over the years it changed the way my feet are shaped because it changed the way I walk. It caused frequent swelling, thick calluses, ingrown nails on both big toes, and I was unable to ever walk barefoot. Very few shoes were comfortable and I couldn't be on my feet for more than an hour without needing to sit down and remove my shoes. I'd been to several doctors and the best I ever got was temporary relief. That was until I met the podiatrist and nurse in the picture below. My first appointment with Dr. Tina Entwistle in 2011 changed my life. She suggested a regular monthly procedure that has pretty much eliminated the worst of my pain. The night I got home from my first procedure was the first time my feet had been pain free in over 6 years. I was so overjoyed I was in tears. Sometimes the pain begins to return slightly right before my appointment and thats why I go every 4 weeks. International Women's Day 'A Day Without Women' was my appointment day. Thank you Sonia and Dr. Entwistle for coming to work today.

And lastly my girlfriend again. As our relationship continues to grow, so does the one between her and my daughter. She created a lifetime memory with my daughter on this night by creating a 'happy board' which she put together with her. She printed all kinds of inspirational quotes and pictures she thought my daughter would like and together they created this:

While there are many women who play a big role in my life, these were the women I encountered on International Women's Day.

I am forever grateful for each of you, not only for the joy you bring me but for the role models you are for my daughter.