To the girls who were raised as "One of the Guys"

Here's to the girls that grew up as "one of the guys". Who was more her dad's son than daughter. Who learned how to work cattle, weld up corrals, build fence, cut hay, and work on machinery, but also learned her way around a kitchen and how to get gussied up on a Saturday night and go dancing.

These are the girls who can ride a bronc out the gate without a struggle. Who can work calves off cows better then the men. Who has a soft hand with a wide eyed colt at weaning time. Who will go out at 2 AM to check heifers and pull a calf by herself. These girls learned at a young age about death, but also about new life.

These are the girls who are strong minded, strong willed, and stronger than they appear. However, deep down they are still a girl with feelings and sometimes being tough is more than they can take. Sure it's cool to be "one of the guys" until a crush looks at you as "one of the guys". Sure its cool to be tough and strong, until a guy breaks your heart into a million pieces or you have to put down your old rope horse. They pretend it's not a big deal and life goes on, but inside they're broken and hurt. It's hard for them to show their emotions because they've been taught to be "one of the guys" and guys don't cry. They're expected to be tough and move on, no matter how bad they just want to fall down and have a good cry.

These are the girls that cry behind closed doors. Who smile when all they want to do is cry. Who put on a big front to impress their fathers, cuz it's not ok to cry over spilled milk. These girls are the ones with quality friends rather than a lot of friends. These are the girls that are looked down on by the bigger population because they're not lady like.

So here is my advice  to the girls who are just "one of the guys". Stay true to your roots. Your dad raised you as a boy because he believed you were more than just another girl. He knew you would do big things and accomplish all you ever could. So don't let anyone run you over, have a back bone and stick to your believes. No matter what people say, think before you speak. Speak less, and say more. Always keep your promises. Take pride in your work and family. Always have a firm, strong hand shake and look people in the eye. It will get tough and bumpy along the way, but don't ever change who you are as a person.

Here's to the girls who were raised the way I was! The world needs more cowboys, but sometimes those cowboys are girls. Don't ever settle for anything less than you deserve and always remember to close the gate behind you!