Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Irvin.
Hi Sherry, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Sherry Irvin, and I am a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse. I am a woman in long-term recovery from my addiction to alcohol. Twelve years ago, I wanted to commit suicide because I couldn’t get past the shame of my past, and I wanted the pain to go away. But my higher power had another plan for me; after drinking a large amount of alcohol in a snowstorm, I was waiting for a train to take me, but I had a moment of clarity. I reached out for help because I saw the faces of my two young sons and realized that I would be subjecting them to a life of ridicule and pain, so I called a tow truck service because I knew they would track my phone. They came, and I was arrested for the first time. Still, I knew this would happen because I, too, have a Law Enforcement Degree, and a week later, I would enter into treatment at Mayo Clinic, and I would learn to deal with the issues of my past and follow a spiritual 12-step program.
Fast forward over 12 years, and I have turned my life around. I am a very active community member, making it my mission to help others and show kindness. Once I started believing in myself, I dared to join other organizations; I became an officer in the Elks Club and began employment at the local homeless shelter, which I loved so much. I was blessed to be featured in the Rochester Women’s Magazine for their recovery issue and to share my story a short time later. I joined the Rochester Exchange Club and will soon take on the Vice President role. I also serve on several Boards, such as “Music Lessons for All” and “Ability Building Communities,” as Vice President of the Veterans Emergency Services Museum. I serve as a team lead ambassador for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce.
I love to write, so I had the opportunity to write about some influential local women I admire, and I have a published article featured in Today Magazine. I also featured a Facebook page called “Who’s Hot in Sherry’s World,” where I review local businesses and their services. In my spare time, I model fashion clothing for a few local businesses, and I get to co-star in a weekly podcast reviewing movies. I do many other activities, and a service life is the best for me. By serving others and giving back, I keep my gift of sobriety. My sexual abuse never leaves me, but it’s only a part of me, and I have no time to be a victim; I chose to be a survivor because I have so much more to achieve, and I will continue to serve wherever I can and for as long as possible. I love the life I lead today; I am truly blessed.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have realized that I can’t control the show and have to give up my will daily to the Creator. I am a woman who doesn’t always have a lot of patience. Some days can be challenging, especially in the summer months when everyone is drinking, but I have supportive friends who accept me and know I can never drink again. I do flashbacks a lot from my sexual abuse, and I have certain rituals that I use to help get me through moments when I am scared. I ground myself and reset my focus.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am very privileged to have worked as a DSP for Cardinal of MN for over 15 years; I work overnights with unique individuals who have Developmental Disabilities, and I love being able to be the bright spot in my client’s day yet make sure that they stay on task so that they can be successful throughout their day. I love that no day is the same, but my clients know that their team loves each of them and wants to empower them to make their own choices while keeping them safe.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is going fishing with my father. I was blessed that he exposed me to every type of fishing, such as fly fishing, ice fishing, going on charters, etc. I learned it all.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.irvin1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.irvin1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-irvin-404362108
Image Credits
The Rochester woman magazine Post Bulletin
