Women have strengths that amaze men.  They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens...but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous...Women wait by the phone for a "safe at home call" from a child or a friend after a snowy drive home.

Women friends keep secrets you told them years ago and never bring it up again...

Women have special qualities about them. They volunteer for good causes. They are pink ladies in the hospitals, they bring food to shut-ins. They are child care workers, executives, attorneys, stay at home moms, biker babes and your neighbors. They wear suits, they wear jeans, they wear uniforms. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up against injustice. They are in the front seat at PTA meetings. They vote for the person that will do the best job for family issues. They walk and talk the extra mile to get their children in the right schools and to get their family the right health care.

They write to the editor, their congressmen and to "the powers that be" for things that make for a better life. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution...
 
They can wipe a tear, cover a cut and pat you on the back all at the same time. They eat a little so their family can have more. They rush to school to pick up a sick child. They stick a love note in the lunch bag. They do without shoes so that their children can have them.

They go to scout meetings and are chaperones on class trips. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They don't make excuses for defending their family or friends. They give a friend some money in times of touble. They love unconditionally. They are loyal, honest and forgiving. They are smart, knowing that knowledge IS power. But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point.

Their world consists of goodness, love and caring. Women want to be the best for their family, their friends and themselves. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They get teary-eyed when others do great things. They save their anger for the unjust and insincere. They tell people that need to be told to straighten up their act.

They lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and a voice to make suggestions...

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have so much sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is not any strength left.

They can control situations that seem uncontrollable. They can round up energy when they are tired. They can stay up a little longer to talk to a child who needs a friend. They will rush to be by your side when they think you are lonely. They will give up their favorite TV show to help with homework or read a bedtime story...

A woman's touch can cure any ailment. She knows that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. She can make a romantic evening unforgettable. She can bring out the best in her husband, children and friends. She doesn't mind standing in the shadows. They are not there to push, but to gently encourage.

They are cheerleaders, teachers, lovers and important in many peoples lives. They can whisper a kind word, scream a loud cheer and laugh away a fear. They can mend your broken spirit and give you back your self-esteem. They can knit a family back together after a break or a loss...

Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They live in homes, apartments, cabins and trailers. They drive, fly, walk, and run or e-mail you to show you how much they care about YOU. They have hearts that beat with loyalty and love. The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin. They can cry and laugh at the same time. They can be sad and hopeful at the same time...

Women do more than just give birth. They bring hope and joy. They teach us to dream and make goals. They give compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to people you come in contact with.

Women are leaders, but don't want followers. They want people to grow into the best person they can be. They want to touch you in a way that will make you share your goodness with others. One touch can turn a bad day into a better one. One minute of her time will make a child feel special. One more kiss will make her husband feel loved. Women have a lot to say and a lot to give...