10/11/25 Ten Years

On October 11, 2015, I decided to become an escort. I’d been thinking about it for several days after a friend mentioned Backpage to me. It was quite a leap — from once being part of the social elite to entering a profession that’s considered seedy at best. In those days before the 11th, I wrestled with myself. I came from a wealthy background, a good family — the kind that would be appalled if they knew what I did. And with two sisters still alive, I still live with that fear.

I once met a lawyer who, when I told him what I was doing, read me the riot act. He said, “Nothing good will ever come from this. Everyone you love will find out. You’ll be arrested and jailed.” The doomsday lecture went on and on. And I couldn’t completely dismiss him — after all, he’s a lawyer, and he knows. Some of what he predicted has come true, but not enough to make me stop. The only people who know what I do are the family I’ve created and one friend in Kansas City. It just isn’t something you talk about in polite company.

But having said that, I’ve been very happy with my profession. It fits me. I know it’s not for everyone, and yes, a lot of people in this business can be skanky or selfish. So when I started, I decided I was going to be different — better. There’s no real way to prove that, but I made sure that anyone who met me felt seen, connected, and unrushed. If my current level of busyness is any indication, I must be doing something right.

This is my chosen profession now. It has been for ten years. Even though it’s technically illegal — a misdemeanor — it doesn’t stop me. I didn’t stop smoking marijuana just because it was illegal, either. I’ve always lived quietly, kept to myself, and left a small footprint wherever I am. My neighbors think I’m a bookkeeper. I don’t throw big parties or cause trouble. I doubt anyone in my nice little neighborhood would guess that the 64-year-old woman living alone is a prostitute.

I tell men who ask if I’m law enforcement, “Think about it — a 64-year-old woman with a 23-page website and 500 blogs who lives alone in her own home? No, I’m not a sting!”

I thank God every day that I found an occupation I love — one that pays well, gives me freedom, and makes me feel good about myself. How many people can honestly say that? I could see myself doing this until I’m 70, as long as there are people who still want to see me. Honestly, I feel halfway retired already — I only work about four hours a day.

A lot of women don’t last this long in this profession. But that’s not me, and it’s never going to be me. I’m here to stay until I retire.

Ten years later, I look back with gratitude — not because it was easy, but because it was mine.