A Celebration of Survival

Hello! My name is Anne Marie. I am a domestic abuse survivor and a very proud member of Jaden's Ladder whose mission is to help survivors climb higher. For me, the sky's the limit! I am a mother of two wonderful children. My son was only 10 when I met my daughter's father, our abuser. Domestic abuse robbed my son of his childhood and rendered me unable to be a good role model. Today, our bond is greater than ever. My daughter was affected and suffered a little more as this was her "dad". Dads are suppose to love and nurture, not abuse. We go to Jaden's Ladder to grow – we share, we laugh and we cry. More importantly, we mend together. In finding Jaden's Ladder, I have become a good role model to my daughter. I am extremely proud of both my children, as we have all endured and overcome a shaky past.

I met Oneta when my daughter was thirteen. Then, I thought my hope for a happy family was only a dream. I was afraid to leave, yet more afraid to stay. Oneta welcomed us with a warm heart and open arms. I was ill-equipped for the job of overcoming the restraints and emotional barriers we had to climb to survive. Jaden's Ladder guided me up that ladder, one rung at a time. Oneta is my hero. She is everything I would like to be. Because of her and Jaden's Ladder, I can fly "higher than an eagle". They are the" wind beneath my sings"!

When I doubted my abilities to succeed, my support at Jaden's Ladder was there for me. At Jaden's Ladder, we are told it is ok to feel the pain. The truth was painful, but it also set us free. After being a part of Jaden's Ladder, good things began to happen for us. Once, I asked my daughter what she thought of our new "family" at Jaden's Ladder. She said "Mom, Oneta is awesome! She is so pretty, I think she is our fairy godmother!"

In addition, there are two other guardian angels that give of themselves and helped my family and so many others. Heidi gives the best hugs because she gives them from within. Laurie gives the best advice. She has taught me to recognize I am a wise woman. Yes, I paid the price but look how much I've gained. Now, I go to our meetings stronger and happier than ever. My daughter is doing great and joins in the meetings. I have a good secure job and a happy feature. My daughter has been a cheerleader, on the honor roll in school and is a Cadet Lance Corporal in the MCROTC program at her school. Jaden's Ladder taught me how I on my own, can provide my daughter a great life of peace, balance, harmony and love. Instead of dwelling on the trials and tribulations of domestic abuse, I focused on the triumphs of overcoming the violence of the past. I feel a "higher power" brought me to Jaden's Ladder. I think that my "higher power" is my parents, deceased in 1993, the same year my daughter was born.

Through Jaden's Ladder, I met other heroes. In October 2007, Oneta came to our meeting and told us about Dr. Chiou who offered his dental services to any survivor and their children whether or not they had insurance. In the past, I had titanium framework to reconstruct my jar and was missing several teeth. I was having severe headaches as well as pain, swelling and numbness in my upper jaw for some time. Without dental insurance, I immediately made an appointment. Subsequently, I discovered that the prior framework had broken and caused an infection to the bone. Dr. Chiou recommended I be seen by Dr. DeTolla, an oral surgeon, who agreed to do the required surgery without compensation. On November 30th, surgery was performed to remove the broken framework and clean the infection. Both Dr. Chiou and Dr. DeTolla agreed that without the surgery, the infection could possibly have spread affecting my eyes and brain. Dr. DeTolla removed my teeth and Dr. Chiou made beautiful dentures for me. Thus, that year, for Christmas, I received " my new teeth". I am forever grateful to these two wonderful and prestigious men. My smile on the outside is wonderful but the smile from within is immeasurable.

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank Jon and Oneta Bobbett, Dr Chiou and Dr. DeTolla, and all the ladies and gentlemen of Jaden's Ladder. I love you all.