Debra's Story

"I was married for over 27 years to a mean abusive alcoholic, a mind controller. I did not even know what normal was by the time I finally left him. I had seven children, six boys and only one daughter, my youngest. She died of cancer in 1995 at the age of 14. She was my best friend, my only friend because my ex-husband kept me secluded from people. I did not have friends. No one came to my house and I went to no one's, just to work and home. When my daughter became ill in 1995 with an inoperable brain tumor, she lost her eyesight. My ex-husband came to me and said, "This is not fair". I asked what he meant. He looked at me and said, "I will have to take care of her all her life". My heart died. How could any man look at this beautiful precious babe who was his own daughter and say such a thing? From that day on I started seeing him for what he was and slowly broke loose from his control. After my youngest son graduated high school, I decided I could not take having beers thrown at me and such any more. So I went to my sons and told them I was thinking of leaving their father. They said, "We were wondering how long you could take it". After I left him, I liquidated my assets to live and moved to Fort Worth. I was totally lost. I had my resume but could not even leave the place I was staying - too confused and scared. I knew I needed help. I turned to The Women's Center. Since that time I have worked for J L Steel, Inc. located at the General Motors site, and also IMC Networking, where I helped with the website development and testing of Paltalk, a top site for audio, video and group voice conferencing. I have learned much about the construction business and have had many requests to work for companies when my contract is done here at the GM site. My future is one of many choices. I keep my options open all the time. The touch of a helping hand from The Women's Center made me into a woman who can choose from many offers. Thanks."