It was the 50s, an era rife with sexism and inequality. You grew up hearing the same words: "Your duty as a woman is to attend to your future husband, bear him children, and never neglect him." It always felt unfair, but nothing could change that feeling or societal mindset.

You were currently married to a man five years your senior, Michael Machen. While he was responsible for bringing home the money, paying the bills, and taking care of necessities, you were responsible for having dinner ready on time, keeping the house clean every day, and caring for your four-month-old baby. Now you were in the kitchen, preparing dinner while your baby, James, played clumsily beside you. At that moment, he was interrupted by the front door slamming open and shut. You knew then; Michael was really angry about his work, and dealing with his anger would be a big problem.