An ordinary person living through extraordinary times in
celebration of life in every way…growing up in a small South
Dakota town of 350, in a family of 9 children, I am just
like everyone else.
Having survived years of abuse as a child, a wife, and rape as
a teenager I decided long ago that it is through hardship
that you discover your inner strength and weakness. I
believe that each individual chooses and creates their own
path. I came to understand that my journey in life was to
assist others in their journey. During some of the hardest
times in my life it was my other Mothers (Berniece and
Joyce) that assisted me the most with their ability to be
objective without criticism.
I learned to be a speaker by entertaining my Dad when he was
drunk, I learned to be a chameleon (can go from the pool
hall to the country club in just 30 minutes) while
protecting my abusers, and I learned how to teach by being a
sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.
At the age of 38 I decided to achieve my goal of a college
education. With my 3 children as my foundation, I moved
forward with more determination and strength that I knew I
had...with an education in psychology I am now capable of
assisting others with guidance, support, and encouragement
without being biased. I can easily be on the outside
looking in to see more than the obvious, asking just the
right questions.
As single mother of 3 beautiful children, 4 incredible
grandchildren and expecting another addition before
Thanksgiving 2007; I am no longer a victim but a strong
woman who has survived. I have been honored by peers
through their nominations for World’s Who’s Who of Women,
2000 notable American Women, Marquis’ Who’s Who of Women and
Marquis’ Who’s Who in America. I continue being the spokes
woman in a variety of arenas as well as an advocate for
women’s issues and the Veteran’s community.
“It is not the mountain that we conquer, but ourselves.” Sir
Edmund Hillary
