A Warrior of Small Stature

Two stylish wedge pumps with delicate ankle straps, waved in the air over the open hood. The shoes were attached to 2 shapely legs in skinny jeans. The truck over whose hood the skinny-jeaned legs were waving was a large black and chrome W900 Kenworth semi truck. My Aunt Co handled her problems head-on (or head down, as the case may be), whether it was dislodging an unfaithful husband or readjusting a cantankerous engine.

To most, my 5 ft 3 inch, 98-lbs-soaking-wet aunt was a force with which to recon. My mother's youngest living sister, Coida Jo, was the first real-life example of how a true 'Female Warrior Spirit' behaved in everyday, modern life.

By the age 40, my Aunt Coida had successfully raised and launched 2 children into adulthood while at the same time managing, and finally extricating two husbands (one abusive, one unfaithful) from her life. She managed this without hysterics, excessively bad language, the use of her Colt 45 handgun or any serious poisons (the latter two in regard to the husbands only, of course). All things considered, I felt she demonstrated exceptional grace and finesse under the conditions under which she found herself.
Optimistic and resourceful, she kept her head and her footing—never giving up or backing down. This tiny woman was a powerhouse of inner strength and courage. She knew her worth and maintained an immovable '2-strikes and you're out policy.’ At least, this was true with the men in her life. And I admired and adored her.

Even though she was tiny in stature, often underestimated, and frequently mistaken as easy prey the misconception was generally short-lived. She had the heart of a lioness and could be as formidable as a trapped badger when pushed. She was mighty in spirit, determined and never gave heed to such comments as 'too hard for a woman.' In fact, they seemed to fan her flame. So at 40 or so years of age, instead of just finding a job that would support her, her mission seemed to be finding the most difficult job she could find and mastering it.

My aunt Co drove semi trucks for a living 5 days a week. Not just any semi trucks, the biggest semi diesel-pusher commercial rigs she could find, and usually pulled pups in tow, as well.

Driving south on I-5 along the NW coast past Seattle, WA, I was on my first solo trip. It had started in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 16 days ago and 2200 miles away. My thoughts went to my Aunt Coida as I sat in the cab of the 5 ½ ton, Ford 305 diesel truck RV driving bumper to bumper for the last 3 ½ hours in traffic 12 lanes deep. Having the time of my life singing at the top of my lungs to Norah Jones as I maneuvered and negotiated my way, I wondered what she might think if she could see me now 
...I think she'd be proud.

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