Abigail Adams, ForeMOTHER of the American Revolution

As we set off to the Cape and Martha's Vineyard to spend a long weekend by the beach setting off fireworks, it's important to remember why we are celebrating, and that, if the colonies had not stood up to fight against tyrany all of those years ago, life would be much different for all of us. And, while we thank John Hancock, George Washington, Ben Franklin and all of our Forefathers, it is important to also take a moment to remember our ForeMOTHERS.

It's incredible how ahead of her times Abigail Adams truly was. Married to John Adams in 1764, Abigail Adams exchanged over 1,100 letters with her husband in the course of their courtship and marriage, discussing everything from family to politics to the formation of our country. Though he didn't always abide by her advice John Adams confided in her and sought her guidance while at in the Continental Congress.

Abigail Adams was one of the first feminists, and encouraged her husband to consider the rights of women when they were forming the United States Constitution. Though the rights of women were not granted until 150 years later, she was brave enough to ask:

 "Whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to men, emancipating all nations, you insist on retaining absolute power over wives. Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. "(March 31, 1776)

Women these days often take for granted the ability to own our own property and even vote, but it took a long time and many brave women, like Abigail Adams to get here. So, while you are watching the fireworks, remember why we are celebrating and how far we have come.