This Woman I Know

She's built like me, not too tall, could stand to lose a few pounds, pretty when she smiles which isn't nearly often enough.

She has a responsible job overseeing people and conditions, dealing with government regulations and privacy laws.  She is in the middle most of the time.  Higher-ups lean on her, clients gripe to her.  Some days she wants to scream; it's all too much to deal with.

Does she scream?  Not while anybody is around.  That would show weakness.  Does she ever stand in the shower and cry?  Probably, but no one will ever know.  She has to be strong.

She's fair.  She doesn't care about your color, religion, weight or sexual orientation.  If you need something and she can provide it, she will.  If you lie to her or cross her, watch out.

I wondered at first, but only briefly, if I would like this woman I know.  Then I looked, really looked, in her eyes. What I saw delighted me.  Beyond that tough-as-an-overcooked-steak exterior is one of the tenderest hearts I have ever met. If you look, you can see mischief in those brown eyes.  When you finally get to see the smile, it's worth every minute you have waited.  She sees her child with a protective, unconditional love.  She says the dog gets on her nerves, but she says it with humor.  Cold when she has to be, warm when she is herself.

How many people have met this side of this woman I know?  I suspect not too many.

I won't tell you her name.  I won't tell you any more about her family or her work.  I will only embarrass her by telling anyone who will listen how remarkable she is.

You know who you are, my friend.

You're that special woman I know.