In an essay for TIME for International Women's Day, Angelina Jolie revealed that her two daughters, Zahara and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, recently underwent surgery. The article focuses on the value of women (opens in new tab) and their ability to give back to other women. I have to admit, I may have gotten a little teary-eyed. And I was reminded anew how wonderful it is to be a woman. (Jolie, why do you always do this!)

She writes. 'These women know that I am writing this because I respect their privacy. They understand that overcoming medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of."

She continued:

I have seen my daughters care for each other. My second daughter studied to be a nurse with her sister, and the next helped. I have seen all of my daughters stop everything with ease, put each other first, and feel the joy of serving those they love. I also saw these women face their fears with resolute courage. We all know those moments when no one can help us and all we can do is close our eyes and breathe. Only we can take the next step, or breathe through the pain, so we steady ourselves and do it.

Their brothers supported them and tenderly watched over them. But as I write this manuscript from the hospital on this International Women's Day, I turn for a moment to my daughters and realize what I have learned from them, and from other young girls I have met around the world.

Jolie, a 44-year-old Academy Award-winning actress and Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, is the mother of Maddox (18), Pax (16), Zahara (15), Shilo (13), Vivienne (11), and Knox (11). Jolie also writes about the kindness and courage her sisters shared with her during her hospitalization.

"Seeing the way my daughters cared for each other, someone said to me, 'It comes naturally to girls.' I smiled, but then I thought about how often that idea is misused." A girl is expected to take care of others. The woman she grows up to be is expected to give, care for, and sacrifice. A girl is often conditioned to think that she is only good when she serves others and selfish or wrong when she concentrates on her own needs and desires."

A source told PEOPLE (opens in new tab) that Jolie has not left her daughters' side for the past two months as they undergo surgery. She recently took Shilo and Vivian shopping for flowers on Sunday.

"They all got flower arrangements. Shilo looked like she was used to walking on crutches. She was pretty fast and didn't struggle. She just needed a little help getting into the car." Vivien was kind and looked out for her. The sisters were close and you could tell they cared about each other."

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