Today is International Women’s Day. As the son of a high-level woman, the brother of a high-level woman, the husband of a high-level woman, and the father of a high-level woman, I feel compelled to express my thoughts on this day. I feel compelled to publicly acknowledge what being around high-level women throughout my life has done for me.

I was close to both of my grandmothers; they were complete opposites but equally made an impact on my life. My father’s mother, Hazel Granger McGee, was the stereotypical  Cajun woman. She was the best cook on earth and inspired my love for cooking. Between cooking three big meals a day for her husband and three sons, she worked the fields of their cotton farm in Mamou, La. She could kill a hog, skin it, and process it in the same day, by herself. But she was what a woman was supposed to be during those times. She was a great housewife and took care of her four men. My mother’s mom, Lena Pecorino Palermo, was the epitome of an Italian woman. She ran the house while her husband worked and built a successful business. She ran it with an iron fist but with the right combination of love. She was the lady she was expected to be 99% of the time. But there was that 1% that would throw, what is still known today as the “Lena Pecorino fit”. Most of the time, it was in defense of a loved one. She also lived every parent’s nightmare; she buried a child.

My mother is a lot like her mother, and my sister is as well. They take care of their families like no other and has been known to carry on the tradition of my grandmother’s famous fits. My wife is an accomplished leader in a profession dominated by men. One where it isn’t easy for any woman. I have many successful nieces and aunts. I have women in my life who are not biological moms, sisters, or daughters, but I consider them my family just as much. I am fortunate enough to be the father of the most amazing woman God ever created. She is about to graduate college and has made her own way and set herself up to have life by the balls!

On my podcast this week, I defined what I feel are the habits and characteristics of a high-level human. After I gave the general definition, I expressed my opinion of what a high-level man is and also what a high-level woman is. In recognition of this day, I give that opinion here as well.

A high-level woman is a lady, but she is no princess. She presents herself as a lady should, but behind that kind demeanor lies a warrior. She can change her own tire, make her own money, and defend her life if necessary. She can operate a sewing machine, a skillet, and also an AR-15. She is independent and depends on no one, including no man. She isn’t a violent person, but she can put a bullet between your eyes if you attack her. And God help you if you attack her child. If you attack the child of a high-level woman, you better be good with God because you are about to meet him. She is motherly and a great provider to her family. She is a good wife, girlfriend, or friend. She embraces the traditional role of a wife and mother. But she also knows we do not live in traditional times. She knows her life as she currently knows it could change instantly, and she will be ready. Make no mistake; she is nobody’s bitch, nobody’s whore, and is absolutely nobody’s punching bag. She has prepared herself so she is never held hostage in a bad situation. A high-level woman supports other women and never tears another woman down.

A while back, I went on a rant about “toxic masculinity” and what certain groups are trying to achieve. I do not feel like we need to change how we raise men. Men literally built this country with their hands and minds. However, I do feel like we should continue improving on our view of the role of women. I do not necessarily believe in the phrase “women can do anything a man can do”. Biological differences will always dictate that certain situations will be more fitting for a man and vice versa. God did not create men and women equal; therefore, they are not. However, women can equally contribute to society and to families. We have come close to having a woman President. I know I will more than likely see the day that we do. I look forward to it because when we elect a woman President, I know it will be the right one. Not the right woman, the right person.

Today let's recognize and celebrate the great women in our lives and in our country. Just like I said about men; where would we be without women? Real women, high-level women. Women who put EVERYONE before themselves. Women who have the balance of a lady and a warrior. Women who make our lives possible.

Thank you to every woman out there. Today is your day, stand proud!