Gertie

Divorce-a horrid seven letter word in 1914. Gertie MacGregor, became the first and onlydivorced woman in Laurel, Maryland. Atseventeen and in love with Edward Neal, herworld was roses and sunshine. She hopedEdward would see the world as she did, butafter three years, her blinders were removed. Edwards deep seeded anger ruled him. Heshattered her arm and the marriage. Societyexpected her to make the best of it and keepthe marriage vows. She chose divorce. Rejection-Words of condemnation rolled offtongues at Gertie like hot bullets when shewas removed as soloist of the church choir. Gazes were averted as she met friends andneighbors. She was denied help in a time ofneed, and lost her job when she stayed hometo care for her sick child. Her chosen pathwas not accepted in small town America inthe early 1900s. She was ostracized and thepitfalls were many as she struggled to raiseher son alone. Gertie filled her life by serving veteransat nearby Ft. Meade, through WWI andWWII. She developed USO clubs and satat the bedsides of wounded heroes. WWIIchanged womens place in the world. Theybecame part of the work force and raisedchildren alone. Eleanor Roosevelt officiallyrecognized Gerties service. She was redeemedher in the eyes of her community. Jesse Morgan partnered her in service toveterans and brought love back into her life. The beautiful winding staircase in Jesseshome was symbolic of her small steps tosome distant height. They walked in perfectaccord up the stairs to their future. Courage-Gertie walked through life,poignantly meeting the fears and hardshipsof war, the devastation of loss and hatred,and the joys and sorrows of love with thegrace of heroes.