Maria Singleton grew up poor, neglected and abused. Living with a mother who was so unhappy that she was having affairs, Maria learned early on how life simply is not fair or happy at times. "Being the typical children that they were, they often got into trouble. Unfortunately, that trouble led to beatings. Maria genuinely believed this was normal behavior. She assumed that all kids got beat with fly swatters, or orange toy race tracks." Neglect and absuse almost cost Maria her life on several occasions. It was purely by the Grace of God that she survived. She went from the proverbial frying pan into the fire when she married her first husband. "Your hair looks nice parted on the side." She said to Maria in an effort of breaking the ice. Unfortunately, Maria was not very nice to Jody. She continued feeding Donnie as Jody continued to talk about how she and Murray had nothing going on, and that she did not need to slap him the way she did. Maria then looked up at Jody and began to sob uncontrollably and pulled her hair to her normal style. When Jody saw Maria's hair, she was appalled and didn't believe that Murray had done that to Maria. She apologized to Maria and in tears then left. She then quit her job and Maria never heard from her old best friend again." All Maria wanted was love, respect, and safety for her and her son. What would she do in order to find it?
