Sagittarius
Years ago the Princeton Hotel was a place I'd go to have a few beers, that was away from the stroll. But to begin with, my first introduction to the bar scene was at the Alcazar Hotel. That's where I got to know one of the bartenders, Jack*. When the Alcazar closed down, he moved over to the Princeton Hotel. There, he would set me up with customers who were easy targets to buy a pretty girl a drink. It was better for him if the beers came out of their pockets rather than his.
Jack knew about the guy I was with, as did many other people. People disliked my husband at the time because they knew about the beatings I received from him. Jack repetitively asked me when I was going to stop being a punching bag and said I deserved better. I paid attention, but I knew Jack was a con artist himself - it came with the job as bartender to treat me like a daughter. But it was mutually beneficial. I was young and needed someone to watch out for me, especially when I was drinking.
Michael, my ex-husband, liked to think he was always in control, which was a character defect I was unimpressed with. Gradually, I despised him. There was no love in our relationship anymore, and I found myself sneaking off when ever I could. After several quarrels, I soon depended on Jack to talk about my problems, over a few beers of course. I'm sure he got tired of listening to the same complaints. I know I did.
He knew how much I hated Michael, so he set me up with a hit man.
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Dear Pauline, I was so moved
By Dana Mauer, February 25, 2007 at 22:10Dear Pauline,
I was so moved to hear your story, and so terribly sorry to hear about what happened to you as a teen. I cried to hear how your innocence was violently taken from you. You look wonderful and have a remarkable peacefulness about you. Your writing and your personal story is giving a voice to the difficult lives of all of the murdered women, and is shining a light on the fact that sexual abuse IS the cause of the cycle of drug addiction that drives people to desperation and prostitution. Dont doubt the value of your journalism for a second. I marvel at your strength of spirit. You make me proud to be a woman.
I wish you much continued success.
Sincerely,
Dana Mauer
Hi Pauline, I saw you on the
By Mary Kristina, February 25, 2007 at 12:45Hi Pauline, I saw you on the CBC this morning. You are beautiful.
To Pauline: It takes
By jbug_morrison, February 25, 2007 at 10:06To Pauline: It takes courage to share the journey that you have (CBC Sunday). You are a beautiful woman and it is clear that you are loved dearly by many. I respect you for the strength you found to write and speak about this very touching challenge that affected so many lifes including your own. Lifes that were lost so tragically, and lifes that still remain so much at risk in the streets today. May the "power of the pen" reward you many times over. A healing process for you I'm sure, but an enlightening one too for others. May a career open up for you in media/writing or as a councillor for others, as you are a "hero" for making the journey that you have. Wishing you much continued happiness and good health in the circle of love with your husband, family, and new friends.
I have just finished
By Sherry, February 25, 2007 at 08:45I have just finished watching your story on CBC, Pauline, and I was so deeply touched by your strength and compassion. And your deep awareness of the 'sense of aloneness' one can feel in their lives and the need for others to reach out, regardless of circumstances, to assist in one another's betterment and welfare. I have always remembered something I was told as a young child after I made a judgement on someone and my beloved Grandmother, who is of native Indian descent, said to me "Sherry, The heart has no eyes". I looked into her eyes and felt the impact of that statement immediately. At that moment it became a truth for me. And I can see this in you to beautifully. Keep up with this message, Pauline, as you are so able to get it out with your touching, sensitive story and that of others whose lives you have touched, shared, and lived with. You have a great purpose to be sure here on this earth and no doubt your life to date has been preparing you for this Journey. Your tears for the lives of those who have been lost and your awareness of the suffering and aloneness they must have felt have become a blanket of love for them. I join you in your tears as I am certain will many others. I will keep you close in my thoughts and wish you and your family every happiness, success, and love in the world and beyond. Sherry
Violence was the way to get
By wolfhart, February 25, 2007 at 08:04Violence was the way to get things done, or to get what we wanted.STILL IS THE WAY BROTHERHOOD&SISTHERHOOD ALL THE WAY!
What an inspirational story!
By Emily, February 22, 2007 at 09:08What an inspirational story! You've sure come a long way to find your own happiness, it can only help others who may think they have no second chances left.