“Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” -Unknown
This morning, I heard an advertisement for the new Wonder Woman movie. Critics spoke about the sense of independence and strong female power the film portrayed. Of course, I thought, why wouldn’t a woman with a shield across her chest and a cape, be one of the strongest, most empowering figures to young girls today? Unfortunately, very few young ladies get to witness the women who, in my opinion, represent true strength and embody what they should emulate: the cowboy’s wife.
In all honesty, I’m often unsure how the brides of these men conquer all that they do, day in and day out. They may have the hardest job around, but it’s something that for centuries now, has developed into the lifestyle they love, and wouldn’t trade for anything. You see, some people may be quick to judge that these rural American women just cook, clean, and care for kids. Maybe they have a job in town, maybe not- but they are the backbone of an operation, they keep the wheels turning, and a household in order. I’ve never seen more energy expended than that of a cowboy’s wife just trying to go through her day-to-day.
For lack of supporting details on my theory, here’s just a glimpse of what I’m referring to:
These are women who often wake with, or before their husbands, who start that morning’s pot of coffee, and proceed to pour their counterpart’s cup prior to their own. That same lady makes her plans for the day, because no two will ever be the same, but then she stops to think “who am I kidding?”, when planning a day around a cowboy’s schedule, very little goes according to plan. After breakfast is served, kids are dressed and ready for school, or spending the day horseback with dad; but a cowboy’s wife has yet to even begin. Anything from housework, bills, her own job, and errands in town may arise. Then add in a meal at noon and one in the evening, finishing up daily tasks, homework, and getting the family to bed, she will often be the last to slip under the cold sheets at night.
To be fair, I’d call that an easy day; nothing out of the ordinary. It’s the extraordinary days where you see how strong these ladies truly are. It’s the days when a phone call beats the alarm clock to the punch, and her husband must go pen the yearlings that are out on the highway, leaving her to fend for herself to start the morning. It’s the days where running late, although often a rarity, happens, and she plays “catch up” for 12 hours straight to no avail. It’s those moments where something so random, yet realistic, in this lifestyle occurs, that all she can do is laugh, because if she doesn’t, tears will fill her eyes. But on these days, there’s no time for self-pity, regret, or doubt, because if she breaks down, so will the rest of the system.
These women are members of the best feeding crew you will ever meet, whether it’s serving a hearty meal to the cowboys or spending countless hours in the pickup calling, and then feeding cows in the coldest months of the year. They are the rig driving, vaccine administering, considerate consultants on a calves’ illness, based on very few details given over the phone. She’s more than dependable when it comes to doing chores, saddling horses, or caring for a sick youngster, be they two or four-legged. These women are happy to take on any task, for she’s not afraid to fill her plate, because at the same time, these are the things that fill her heart. She’s tough enough to shoot a gun and skilled enough to shoot a photo of a delicate wildflower blooming, or a newborn foal whose mama has just finished cleaning it off.
This woman has a tough outer shell, formed by gusty winds, blowing sand, and every hardship she has ever faced. But she’ got a soft heart and a caring soul. She’ll be there when you need her most, and when you don’t need her at all. In the rare occasion that she needs help, she will ask for it. That same lady is the middle-aged woman who loses her soulmate of almost 30 years to the lifestyle he has loved for so long. Her heart is broken, and she questions the ‘why’, but never, not ever, does she hold resentment toward him or the way things happened. She shows the purest and most deep sense of strength from within when she goes to sleep alone at night and awakens by herself in the morning, his smell fading more and more from the pillow he once rested his head on. Yet, she continues on. She hears him whisper, “you can do this”, and rises to meet the day; her only wish being for him to come back, so they can live the lifestyle they chose, and loved together, for so long.
These are my wonder women, my heroes. I see them daily and witness their power. They deserve a badge, a medal of honor, or perhaps even a cape, but then again, that may just slow them down. These ladies aren’t around every corner, but my one wish is that more modern-day superheroes were based off their values, their inspiring work ethic, and their valiant strength. It’s truly remarkable.
-Written by Kate Sanchez
