I am sixty-eight-years young and have lived a challenging life. The 15th of 16 children raised on a farm until 15-years-old when farm life became too harsh for a 90-pound girl.
“Education wasn’t important for a girl,” my mother would say. “After all you’ll get married someday and your husband will take care of you.” I began to feel like a number with no identity and ran away from home in 1959, for other reasons as well which I will not mention at this time.
I was then given a chance to attend beauty school and live in a boarding house with strangers. With few choices I did so and attended school eight hours a day. Soon my mother ran out of money, so I had to pay my way or return to farm work. Not an option. I found a job as a waitress, 5pm-12am for tips and took a bus to work for another 7-8 hours. Before long, I met my first husband to be, and naturally my mother’s prophetic words became a reality. Love can do very strange things to a young girl and I was tired, so tired. I agreed to marry him and he convinced me to drop out of school.
My first pregnancy occurred soon after, and within six years I had four babies to raise with what turned out to be, an alcoholic husband who worked minimal jobs and became abusive.
I stayed with him for nine years until 1969 when he became abusive to our children, ages three, four, six and eight, when I left him, taking my children at age twenty-five. Still I had no job. Fortunately a friend took us in until I was able to find work.
One week later I applied for a job as a sales rep just one block away, all the while thinking there is no way I’ll land this job. I had no experience, had never driven a car, no formal education, (however I had always studied on my own), no permanent address, no money for new clothes, no babysitter for my children. Still I went for it.
I interviewed the next day, on a Sunday, wearing a simple skirt, blouse, and flat shoes. Somehow the gentleman interviewing me seemed interested, and began to ask me questions.
1. What is your experience in sales? “Actually none, but I believe I can sell your product.
2. When can you begin? “Right away, I have children to support.
3. What amount of income do you expect? “Whatever you offer Sir, I need a job.”
4. How many children do you have? “Four small children; two in school.
5. Who will watch them while you work if I hire you? “I have a babysitter lined up.” At once I flinched, fearing a bolt of lightning would strike me.
6. Do you have a car? “No Sir, I usually take buses.” Then he asked a question I never imagined.
7. Do you have a driver’s license? OMG! How do I answer this question?
I knew it had to be important, so at once I replied. “Yes I do, but it expired.” Then waiting for that lightning bolt which I knew was going to strike this time, the gentleman says, “If you renew your driver’s license I’d like to hire you right away if you’re interested in what I have to offer. The pay is $_, and although it isn’t a large salary, you will be given a company car to drive and expenses, and very little travel is involved. Your territory will be local. Most work days will be normal hours with little overtime.”
“OMG. What do I do? What do I do?” Well, I took the job, and signed up for driving lessons that afternoon, got my driver’s license later that week, found a babysitter to live with us for payment, signed for a nice apartment, bought some professional work clothes at a thrift store for next to nothing, and started a new life.
Soon I met my second husband to be. It goes without saying I took it much slower. There were children involved and that is where is my greatest love abides. Still I think he fell in love with them first, then me. We were married five years later in 1974 and the rest is history. You see I’m a Christian. I’ve always had faith in God and I always believed he had something special for me.
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My name is Pat Shannon/Yeager, to my family I’m Patty. I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, a great grandmother, and a lover of animals. My life is full and busy with a passion for writing poetry, fiction, and short stories, crafting, gardening, church, and volunteer work. Follow Pat on Facebook, or connect with Pat on LinkedIn
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Your story is so inspiring to all of us. I cannot imagine the courage it took for you to uproot four small children and find a job, a babysitter, and sign up for driving lessons that very afternoon. That was such a “Gutsy” thing to do and I am so happy to hear that everything worked out for you. Your courage is amazing Pat, and thanks for sharing. Please leave your comments for Pat below. She’ll pop over to reply.
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