A Normal Life

Hurricane Harvey and Irma disrupted normal lives.  These two devils destroyed property and took lives. It may be years before people recover, if they ever do. Daily grief may become commonplace.

As a friend visited with us this week, we discussed how wonderful a "normal life" is. You know, everyday things we take for granted. Home, vehicle, job, family—all the things we experience on an ordinary basis.

A disruptive magnitude such as a loss of home, job, or a family member devastates. After a catastrophic event, we long for everything to return to "normal" again. 

Why is it we aren't thankful for common place until it's gone?

In my book that releases tomorrow, Mattie had a wonderful life until she married Jesse. Her former, typical life changed drastically.

In 1925, women had few rights, but they had what was normal for the day.

Mattie married and expected an customary lifestyle. Husband, home, children. Then Jesse began to hurt her emotionally and physically. Her life turned upside down.

Fast forward 92 years. Women marry today and expect a conventional life, but they discover too late they married a controlling man.

A "normal" life for them becomes living in daily fear.

I hope you'll read Mattie's Choice, and I hope your heart will open to hurting women. I also hope this book makes us thankful for modern day, normal lives.

On Amazon

Available September 15 in eBook and print.

Here's another thing. I'm on Danele Rotharmel's blog today! She asked some unusual questions. Stop by and read my answers. I may surprise you!

Danele's Blog

Abuse: Fearful of Living

   He might hit her again if he knew Maury, her twin brother had come by. Or do something worse… Mattie's Choice

    Mattie married Jesse when she was a starry-eyed, naive, seventeen year old. She had no idea he would turn into an violent monster.

After she married him, telltale signs of abuse appeared, but it was too late. They were husband and wife.

1. He monitored what she did.

2. He was afraid she'd be unfaithful.

3. He prevented her from seeing family and friends

4. He insisted she drop out of school.

5. He used anger to frighten her.

6. He humiliated her in front of others.

 References: 

Women'shealth.gov

That was true in 1925 and it remains so today.

During the Tin Lizzy days,  Mattie had no help from anyone. 

Her father told her, "You made your bed, now you lay in it." 

Society said, "Be a better wife, then he won't need to hit you."

Mattie's Choice enables a reader to understand what a woman in a similar situation goes through. No matter the year, contemporary or historical.

Oh sure, in present day, our cars are modern. We have social media. Women have more legal rights, but abuse continues. One out of four women in the USA will endure assault in their lifetime.

What can you do to help?

I'm hoping this book will give ideas.

Mattie's Choice

Abused Women

Not everyone has a happy ever after in a love relationship Their Prince Charming turns into a mean toad.  In some cases, the sweet damsel turns into a wicked witch, but men are physically stronger. So, let's talk about women.

Did you know there are only 1,500 shelters for abused and assaulted women in the United States? How about this? In America, there are 3,800 animal shelters. Hmmm. What does that say about us in the good ole US of A?

Between three and four million women in America are assaulted each year by husbands, ex husbands, boyfriends, partners, etc.

One estimate has it that a woman is beaten every twelve minutes in America. One of four will experience a life threatening event by a partner in their lifetime.

Scary?

Yes. 

And it is real.

Why do women stay?

1. Most females have heard the stories. A woman leaves, and she ends up dead.

2. There aren't enough lawyers and shelters to help a woman in need. 

In 1925, Mattie found out the hard way that society blamed the woman if bruises appeared. "Be a better wife." That was the solution back in that day.

How can you help a woman in trouble? Be an answer to a problem.

Available on Amazon

Pre order eBook now.

Print available soon.

references