The women in my life that I bonded with more than 30 days had your thread of independence within them.

My current partner can break down a lawn tractor, rebuilt a PTO shaft, literally magically, can fix anything. I look at the shit and say I have no fucking clue, but if it is the internet, mobile, computers, “anything,” I have magic hands. Guys in Texas come in and, as usual, look at me for everything, for the iron posts, to rebuilding our barns from a tornado hit. I cringe because I know I am just Tenille and not the Captain. I do play a kind flight attendant or nurse or water boy.

So when it happens, I tell them don’t look at me, don’t ask me, talk to the boss … for I am not the “man” with the answers she is. Now in this area where compassionate conservatives rule and balance out the raw Trumpian folks since Democrats don’t exist here. I use my white male privilege and large size to hammer it home. This woman is the lead deal with it.

So don’t feel “sad” or “broken” because your bridge-building skills are your core strength, be proud that you rock as a woman with a strong masculine spirit. Full of fun, zest, love, and care, with a woman in charge of the place.

This is why women should lead. My initial reaction when broken was to dive into booze, crazy-ass shit, and then only consensual sex and self-love brought me out of my tailspin.

You actually build things with your hands when hurting. You are a builder and because you are stuck between two places … you are the one that should lead us out.

Never forget that.