Survival instincts of a Woman

Survival Instincts of a Woman

An Isis Press Book Printed by arrangement with T.A. Ryerson & Son Publishing, 596 George Street, Woodstock, ON, Canada. N4S 4J8 Copyright 2016 by M.J. Ryerson & Thomas A. Ryerson All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or otherwise (except brief passages for the purpose of personal review) except by the written permission of the author. All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Cover photograph ‘Sophia’ by F.G. Ryerson, copyright 2016, back cover photograph, 'Low Key Portrait of Sad Woman Crying' by Sandsun, copyright 2010. Cover layout and design by Thomas A. Ryerson Book edited by Thomas A. Ryerson July 2014 – October 2016. Book edited by Michael Edward July 2015 – October 2016. Book formatted for e-pub by Michael Mandarano – November 2016 Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Ryerson, Maria J., 1958- Ryerson, Thomas A., 1964- Survival Instincts/Maria J. Ryerson, Thomas A. Ryerson. ISBN 978-0-9697429-8-2 (Print) ISBN 978-1-987940-08-4 (E-Book) I. Title. PS8635.Y47T73 2006 C813’.6 C2006-903965-8 First Printing – T.A. Ryerson & Son – November 2016

Description

Survival Instincts is the story of Sophia Vega, a feisty Filipina who refused to give up on life despite the hardships and tragedies she faced. Far from a fairytale, Sophia's journey took her from a small village in the Philippines to an underground world of gambling, assassination attempts, and exploitation where she witnessed and experienced the darkest sides of humanity.

A woman up against great odds, her family provided the inspiration for her to survive. Through her determined perseverance, intelligence, and trust in God, she was able to overcome her trials and turn the tables in her favor.

Author’s Note

Everyone’s face tells a story. I can look at a person and tell if they are drinking enough water if they smoke if they spend time in the sun, and what position they most often sleep in. No, I’m not a detective; I’m a beauty therapist. But that’s not really who I am, it’s just what I do. Growing up in the Philippines I didn’t dream of having a career in this industry and I certainly didn’t believe I’d ever be living in Australia. It’s a miracle that I’m still alive, I should have been dead long ago, but I’m jumping ahead. That’s a no-no for beauty treatments and for telling stories. On the following pages, I will share parts of my life with you. I have changed the names to protect the identities of the people involved. I hope this book will be an inspiration, especially to women who also know what it is like to sacrifice their lives for their families.

Maria J. Ryerson October 17th, 2016

Author’s Acknowledgements

Writing this book is the accomplishment of my dreams, and I am so glad that they finally came true. Surviving in this world was not easy for me. It was a hard road and I am thankful for the people that have helped me along the way. To my wonderful and loving husband, lover and friend, Fred G. Ryerson: thank you for loving me, protecting me, helping me raise our children and providing them with a good life and education. I love you with all my heart my darling husband. To my beloved children, Annie Mae, Carlo, Jaime, Crystal, and stepchildren, Joe and Kate: You inspired me to go on living and continue to give my life meaning. Also, thank you for my beautiful grandchildren, Taya, Braycee, Coleby, Jake, Ila, Mason and Mateo. To the biological parents of my children and my stepchildren: I thank God that we met; without you, I would not have these wonderful children to raise and give me inspiration to not only work hard but to also survive under the worst conditions. I would like to thank my family and friends who helped raise my four children: my parents, my brother, Jonathan, and my four sisters, Clarisa, Jimmilli, Jimminni, and Adelle, my cousin, Ate Lannie, and my sister in law, Ruth. To the two people who helped me finish this book, my best friends, Melissa Ehrhardt & Thomas A. Ryerson: writing my life story and sharing it with you both was very rewarding for me, thank you. To my friends around the world who have been by my side when I needed you the most: thank you. I love each one of you; you will be in my heart forever.

Maria J. Ryerson