Woman of Iron and Lace, Power and Grace | Story of real feminine strength | Inspiring Story #19

The prisoner sat across from Soula.  He reached out toward her.   He looked Soula in the eye and said, “Ms Soula, I’d like to give you a gift.”

What kind of gift would a prisoner serving life for murder give to Soula, a high-profile law enforcement officer? 

The prisoner held out a wooden cross about the size of his forearm.  He presented his gift to Soula.  She ran her hand over the timber, feeling the detail of  intricate design.  Each incision delicately carved by the hands of a killer. 

I ask Soula, “Why would a murderer, serving life-imprisonment, want to give you, a policewoman, a gift like this?  Had he turned his life around?  Was it a symbol of repentance, a gift offering for his sins perhaps?”

Soula looks at me with her kind, wise eyes.  “I don’t know, Karletta.  But we are not enemies.  This prisoner was never an enemy of mine or any other police officer - before or after his conviction.  The job of a police officer is to find the truth, record it, and present it before justice.  And let’s not call him a killer or a murderer, if you don’t mind.  I’d rather see him as a fellow human being who was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.  Is that OK? I’d prefer that.”

Soula returns the cross to its place among an eclectic collection of ornaments and her handcrafted creations.   I notice a patchwork blanket decorated in soft greens and pinks, and there are decoupage candles, ornamental bottles, and painted stones.  Many of Soula’s creations are sold to raise money for charity. 

Soula is a true woman of iron and lace.  She’s full of power and grace.  A woman whose presence is strong and commanding, a symbol of strength, layered and trimmed in pure femininity.  She is a woman who can carry a gun in one hand while accepting a delicate rose in the other.  I have never, in my life, met a woman like Soula. 

Soula was one of the first policewomen to be sworn in as an officer in Cyprus back in the 1960s.  In a male-dominated culture and profession, that achievement alone would take strength I could only imagine.  Soula conquered the challenges she faced as a female officer and rapidly rose in rank. 

And so she should!  Soula is an example and inspiration to other women.  Feminine strength.  I hope that one day, she will share more of her story.  And if you’d like that, please comment below and let me know what you’d like to ask her.  I’m sure she has many tales to tell.