Strong Women

[historyteach]

I am a strong woman.
I have HAD to be. Nothing was ever given to me; I have worked for everything I have and everything I am.
I have worked from the age of 14. There are times I have worked three jobs to survive; I still, at 49, work two jobs and struggle. I do not have cable; my cell has been turned off by me; and the only reason I have internet is because the state of RI gives a service to all teachers. (We get bumped every hour; heaven forbid we give teachers too much! But, teachers better be technologically literate! ) My puter is a second hand 98 windows version. I have been discriminated against in the workplace, being denied advancement because I was a woman.
I have been raped; date rape prior to that term being known.
I went to college in my 30s. I still have tens of thousands of dollars worth of loans to pay back. And I am still required to continue to take classes at my own expense.
My son is a heroin addict - in recovery, I think.
My ex, I divorced after 24 years; his gambling almost lost our house twice and his abuse towards me during our son's addiction and his gambling was more than I would take. He put us into bankruptcy. I have years to go before my once perfect credit rating is restored.
For the past three years, I have worked on my home; remodeling and refurnishing as best I could. There is NOTHING fancy; but, it is comfortable and it is home. My gardens are my pride and joy.
My refridgerator died the other day; I am getting my credit card replaced tommorrow, then I can purchase a new one, (my card "disappeared." It has NOT been used, thankfully! So, I await the new one. My food is in two coolers with ice.) The car is doing strange things, and my mechanic told me, after I replaced the fuel pump that this is not a very good car. (Dodge Neon) I just bought another second hand; it needs a new motor. My mechanic can do it, and he says I got a good deal. (I hope!)
Because of rising costs, and the fact that son lived with me the past winter, I have had to take a loan, for the first time since I am a teacher, to survive the summer. And that is WITH working at the restaurant too.
My staff infection returned; I am back on medication again. I have surgery tomorrow. It is minor; a cyst under my arm. I am told I will be sore for a few weeks, so I mowed the lawn today and hope it will be ok till I am able to do it again.
It's hard; but, I don't mind. No one said life was easy.
So, as stated, I have HAD to be strong to survive.
I know being a strong woman is upsetting to many people. Men especially. But, when I am cut, I DO bleed!
I think I need to take a respite from SR for a bit. I am hurt.
Hope you will forgive my vent.
Wishing you all Shalom!

[namommy]

Teach,

I know that we are all strong women. We have to be, as you said.

I must ask, has something happened here on SR to hurt you? I hope not. I would hate to see you leave SR.

[zoomer]

((((((((((((((((Teach))))))))))) To be a woman with a spine makes most lose their minds. To be honest I like this side of you too!!!

[bubblze30]

I do hope you don't go. You have a wisdom and stegth about you that I admire. You have been through alot and keep on going. I too have had my share. I do hope you stay with us. Every one on this site(the women) have helped me in some way. We all somehow make a whole. Hope whatever is going on works out.

[Rowan]

Hi Teach
I hope your surgery goes well. Reading your post put things into perspective for me; you have overcome many ordeals and I'm proud of you.
I hope you stick around - we need you here.
God Bless
Much Love
Rowan

[indigo]

Salut Teach,
Yes you are a strong woman and I too will miss you, your contributions are always so well thought out and you have been most considerate when others are not and I can understand your hurt. I hope that the few don't win. You know how to hold your own come back soon.

Love Indigo

[Patsyd1]

(((((((((Teach)))))))))))) I hope all went well with your surgery and please come back very soon.......... YOU would be sooooo missed.

Hurry back Teach, and don't let the basta*ds get you down hon

Love to you
Patsy

[wastedtime4me]

{{{{{{{{{[teach}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I hope your surgery went well...I really hope you come back soon!!!