I was always considered a strong-willed child whom grew up as a strong-willed adult. Unknowing to me, even those personalities are greatly influenced by the people they love and whom love them. I did not pursue an education or a drivers license at the time I graduated from high school because my father did not believe a girl needed either one of them. I finally succeeded in getting a drivers license at 32 years of age and the coveted degree from college when I was 51 years of age. Even though I was experiencing significant abuse from my spouse, I refused to allow him to make me give up my education. Through the years, I kept journals, notes, and calendars of events that occurred. Keeping all these notes and re-reading them eventually lead me to the fact I needed to write a book. When I finally got the courage to leave and get a divorce, my children turned against me. It was during this time, I found how difficult it was for me to look back to even write. To enable myself to accomplish this writing, I had to put my feelings in the back of my mind and stick directly to facts. I have been very successful in working outside the home and in the home regardless of the abuse. It was a piece of my life I could feel good about.

I am a NRA (Nursing Registered Assistant), a teacher for Special Education, In 1986, I received an Outstanding Service Award from MnDaca for providing services to persons with developmental disabilities, Director/Program Director for a Developmental Achievement Center. I earned a BS degree in Human Services, major in Psychology, minors in Health Education and Communication. I was a non-traditional student.