Rural women’s strength and resiliency

What a great week. I had the opportunity to reconnect with women I have not seen in a long while. Enjoy my brief synopsis:

Opal finally had the courage to leave her husband of twenty years and to build her life without the man who chose to have multiple women. She spoke of the pain and the damage to her self-esteem. She was naturally connected to her children, retired from her professional job, and looking forward to a fun retirement job working with kids. She said she was tired of being “strung” along. I hope she felt as beautiful as I saw her.

Patsy spoke of loving her job working with developmentally challenged children and adults. She was a true advocate for government funding to provide assistance for children birth to five years of age. She spoke with pride of the progress children made with help from her program. She said, “I love my job!” I loved visiting with a rural woman who had enthusiasm for life.

Rita was with a new man friend and visibly at peace with her life after a divorce ten years prior. She was still very connected to her children and their athletics and her one grandchild. I feared the ex was still the focus of her thoughts, but she had a new job and maintained good relationships with her ex in-laws which she was grateful. She had a sparkle, as did her friend.

Sally, ten years after the tragic death of her significant other, was courting a new man friend too. She was still operating her own small farm and holding down a twenty hour a week job. She loved her dogs and continued to help her mom and dad with their haying and daily farm activities. Her bubbly personality and easy laughter added joy for everyone.

Tessa was mother of the groom, and although she was very happy for her son and new daughter-in-law, her spirit was heavy. She and her husband had lost their youngest child, a son, in a tragic car accident three years prior. Her eyes spoke how much she missed him on this blessed occasion. The poise and grace in which she greeted guests showed the strength of her faith and the love of her family.

What a rich goal I have: “Catch” another story from a strong rural woman.