Writers INK spotlight: Matthews has a story to tell

By Mickey Starling Riverbend News Mayo native Lou Matthews experienced a childhood far different from that of most people. By 11 years old, Matthews noticed that her father began having nothing to do with her. “He wouldn't even be around me and my mother was no better,” said Matthews, who believes the rejection started as a result of her becoming a Christian at the age of nine.  Matthews' parents followed their family custom of “marrying off” their daughters as quickly as possible. They arranged a marriage for Matthews when she was only 14 years old. “It was really more like slavery,” said Matthews, who remained in the marriage for over 38 years before filing for di