Angelina Jolie is an actress, producer, humanitarian, and mother of six.
In honor of being a mom to three daughters, Angelina penned an essay for her fans in Time magazine.
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In the article, Angelina revealed that her 15-year-old daughter, Zahara, and her 13-year-old daughter, Shiloh, have both recently undergone surgery.
“I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter, and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery,” she wrote .
The 44-year-old explained that she had consulted with her children before writing the heartfelt essay.
“They know that I am writing this, because I respect their privacy and we discussed it together and they encouraged me to write. They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of.”
“I have watched my daughters care for one another. My youngest daughter studied the nurses with her sister, and then assisted the next time.”
“I saw how all my girls so easily stopped everything and put each other first, and felt the joy of being of service to those they love.”
She continued: “I also watched them their face fears [sic] with a resolute bravery. We all know that moment when no one else can help us, and all we can do is close our eyes and breathe. When only we can take the next step or breath through the pain, so we steady ourselves and do it.”
“Their brothers were there for them, supportive and sweet.”
“But on this International Women’s Day, writing from the hospital, I find myself focusing on my daughters for a moment, and all that I have learned from them and other young girls I have met around the world.”
“Someone said to me, when they saw my daughters caring for each other, that ‘it comes naturally to girls.’ I smiled, but then I thought of how often that notion is abused. The little girl is expected to take care of others.”
“The woman she grows up to be will be expected to give, and care for, and sacrifice.”
She continued: “Girls are often conditioned to think that they are good only when they serve others, and selfish or wrong if ever they focus on their own needs and desires.”
Angelina went on to praise the kind nature of women and their instinct to nurture.
“Little girls’ softness, their openness and instinct to nurture and help others, must be appreciated and not abused,” she explained.
“We must do much more to protect them, in all societies: not only against the extreme ways girls’ rights are often violated, but also the more subtle injustices and attitudes that so often go unnoticed or excused.”
“So my wish on this day is that we value girls. Care for them. And know that the stronger they grow, the healthier they will be and the more they will give back to their family and community.”
We couldn’t agree more!
She concluded: “And my message to girls is, fight on, little ladies. Your care for each other will be a large part of your way forward. Hold your nerve. Know your rights. And never let anyone tell you that you are not precious and special and, above all, equal.”
What a beautiful essay! Girl power ALWAYS wins!
h/t: Time .
People are now speculating these surgeries are why Brad Pitt was absent from the BAFTAs earlier this year.
Back in February, the actor cancelled his trip to London at the last minute, sending Once Upon A Time In Hollywood co-star, Margot Robbie, in his place to accept the award for his work in the movie.
At the time, Pitt only cited a “family obligation” as his reason for missing the awards.
It would make sense for that obligation to have to do with his daughters’ surgeries. A source has told Page Six that for Brad, “The children come before anything.”
Fans were quick to express their appreciation for Angelina’s essay on social media.
Like this fan, who admired that Angelina “stood by them 24/7, protecting them and the others, soothing their worries away.”
However, not all fans were as supportive.
Some fans felt she should have kept this information private for her daughters, regardless of whether they gave her permission to write about the subject or not.
How do you feel about Angelina’s essay?
Should she have kept the information to herself, or was it an inspiring look at her daughters’ personalities? Let us know in the comments!
