They were married for 30 years. It was the perfect Catholic
marriage, a husband who was highly regarded in the community and
successful in his work, a beautiful wife, four lovely children
and a very comfortable home. No one would have guessed what went
on behind the closed doors, and it was always Edwina Mae's plan
that no one find out because she wanted to protect her children.
Edwina Mae was in a very controlling situation, both
emotionally and financially. She was told what to read and/or
watch on television. "It was like you couldn't think for
yourself," she said.
"I did not have a name for the life I was living until I met
my counselor," said Edwina Mae. "She called it abuse."
The counselor explained to Edwina Mae that abuse shows itself
in many different ways. It can be emotional, sexual, physical
and financial. At one time women did not know any better, but
now they know that no one person should be controlled by
another. Every person has a right to his/her own voice.
Following a difficult divorce, Edwina Mae knew she needed
steady work so her counselor suggested she get in touch with
Jewish Family Services (JFS) Career department. Because she had
been a stay-at-home mom, Edwina Mae was skeptical about what she
could put on a resume. Her JFS Career Counselor, Lynn Aspey,
quickly removed her skepticism. She explained that with her
organizational and people skills, and volunteer work on school
activities, Edwina Mae would have a very polished resume.
"I was discouraged after months of looking for work, but Lynn
was always there for me," stated Edwina Mae. "She worked very
hard to instill a positive attitude that truly kept me going."
Edwina Mae finally got her big break. Lynn called to tell her
that she was in touch with the HR department at Nordstrom's
Department Store that was scheduled to open at Easton Town
Center in early September 2001. She told Edwina Mae to send her
application to Nordstrom's and she was offered a job three days
before Christmas. Edwina Mae called the hiring her "Christmas
Jewish miracle."
"It is so ironic. My divorce attorney who gave me great
support throughout my divorce is Jewish, the therapist I met
with is Jewish and my JFS career counselor who helped me get
back into a workplace that has given me a whole new life, is
Jewish!" exclaimed Edwina Mae.
"What I have learned from what happened to me is that we have
the choice of being a victim forever, or we can become positive
and learn from our experiences," Edwina Mae added. "I am very
grateful for the help I got from Jewish Family Services."
During the time that Edwina Mae was going through her
divorce, she began painting and became affiliated with the
Worthington Area Art League. She has sold several paintings, and
her work has appeared in numerous galleries and juried shows.
Others remain in private collections in several states. Because
she wanted to give back to Jewish Family Services, Edwina Mae
donated a piece of her original art that hangs in the lobby of
JFS.
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