Poetlady.com, Mary Jones

I bet you'd like to know a little about me, wouldn't ya? Well I'll warn you, it's not the most glamorous story to ever grace the Internet. A lot of people have told me that I should write a book about my life. But I know that there are people out there that have had it worst than me. Besides, I'm not famous yet, who wants to read about someone who isn't famous? Anyway, I'm a forty-ish mother of six grown children. I was born and raised in Texas, where most of my family still lives. I became pregant when I was in my last year of high school. So, I was forced to dropout of school before graduation. Soon after I gave birth, the father of my baby girl was killed in an accident. I ended up in a relationship with a man that took control of my life. Every attempt I made to improve myself was defeated by his abusive nature. After several unsuccessful attempts to leave him over the years, I finally succeeded in 2000, moved back home with my mother, worked odd jobs, and taught myself how to use a computer at the local library. I was nieve about computers and found myself in another controlling relationship with a man I met over the Internet who lived miles away. It's hard to explain how someone can control you through a computer, but I was lonely and he took advantage of my situation. One day, by chance, I went into a chat room to ask for help with my computer. I saw someone online and thought that person might know something about computers. Well, we became quick friends because of our mutual interest in writing. Soon, I realized how much the other guy was using me and started spending more and more time with him. To make a long story short, I eventually moved to Wisconsin to live with him. He has been helping me rebuild my life ever since. Although there are still many hurdles in front of me. I am now officially divorced from the man who had controlled my life for so long. I started working nights at Walmart, in addition to working weekends as a cook at a local pizza place. But still I barely make enough to get by. I hope to finish my education someday. But until I can convince the department of education that I was scammed by the Palm Beach Beauty & Barber School, there is little hope that I will ever be able to return to school or find a better job. Dispite many letters and phone calls over the past sixteen years explaining that the school had closed before I could finish my education, they insist on badgering me for payments. Even if I had the money I would never pay for something I did not receive. My only hope is to win the lottery so I can hire a good lawyer to get me out of that mess. Meanwhile, I write poetry and stories about people who must overcome impossible situations. They can try to crush my spirit but they can't take away my imagination. MJ