Freedom from Abusive Relationships
Today is the 13th anniversary of the day I left my abusive husband with two kidlets in tow. I had a garbage bag of clothes and the resolve in my heart that my girls were not going to grow up thinking that getting punched and being called a stupid bitch every day was okay.
We were lucky to find a room in the YWCA Sheriff King Home and after a few weeks there, I found an affordable one-bedroom apartment in a part of my city affectionately known as "Cracktown". There were hookers and needle drop boxes outside our building but I can tell you, that shitty little apartment was a home full of more peace and happiness than the 3 bedroom house I shared with my husband.
I had no skills, no money and required serious surgery before I could entertain the thought of finding and holding down a job. I was getting $750/month from welfare.
But a few months later I was working in an office learning how to use a computer, and my girls were growing up healthy and pretty happy. A couple years later I met the love of my life.
Since those early days there have been some amazing times, some trying times and some downright tragic times. But my little family has grown up and become stronger and more amazing than I could have hoped for.
If you or anyone you care about is enduring abuse, please know that there is a better life waiting for you. It may not be easier, but boyo is it better than you can possibly imagine. Noone deserves to be abused. This includes mentally or financially. Keep people who care about you and make you happy in your world. Tell them if your spouse or partner is abusive and maybe they can help you. Don't feel ashamed because someone is hurting you, it is NOT YOUR FAULT. If, for some reason you can't get out right away, get an emergency bag ready and put it somewhere safe. I was literally taking the change out of my husbands pockets when he was sleeping and squirreling it away.
I couldn't have imagined that my life would turn out the way it has. My girls are healthy, generally happy and understand what kind of love they deserve. I am spending my life with a man who has enriched my world in countless ways and taught me (and in turn my brood) how to give and receive unconditional love.
Thanks to everyone who has helped my family over the years. I am so grateful for your love and support, you saved our lives.
My girls, I don't know if you can understand how much I love you, how much I hope for you and how much I appreciate you. I am sorry you went through such a rough time due to my poor judgment but thank you for giving me the reason and drive to get out of it.
Eric My Love, you are my only true love. Thank you for thinking I deserve your love.
We were lucky to find a room in the YWCA Sheriff King Home and after a few weeks there, I found an affordable one-bedroom apartment in a part of my city affectionately known as "Cracktown". There were hookers and needle drop boxes outside our building but I can tell you, that shitty little apartment was a home full of more peace and happiness than the 3 bedroom house I shared with my husband.
I had no skills, no money and required serious surgery before I could entertain the thought of finding and holding down a job. I was getting $750/month from welfare.
But a few months later I was working in an office learning how to use a computer, and my girls were growing up healthy and pretty happy. A couple years later I met the love of my life.
Since those early days there have been some amazing times, some trying times and some downright tragic times. But my little family has grown up and become stronger and more amazing than I could have hoped for.
If you or anyone you care about is enduring abuse, please know that there is a better life waiting for you. It may not be easier, but boyo is it better than you can possibly imagine. Noone deserves to be abused. This includes mentally or financially. Keep people who care about you and make you happy in your world. Tell them if your spouse or partner is abusive and maybe they can help you. Don't feel ashamed because someone is hurting you, it is NOT YOUR FAULT. If, for some reason you can't get out right away, get an emergency bag ready and put it somewhere safe. I was literally taking the change out of my husbands pockets when he was sleeping and squirreling it away.
I couldn't have imagined that my life would turn out the way it has. My girls are healthy, generally happy and understand what kind of love they deserve. I am spending my life with a man who has enriched my world in countless ways and taught me (and in turn my brood) how to give and receive unconditional love.
Thanks to everyone who has helped my family over the years. I am so grateful for your love and support, you saved our lives.
My girls, I don't know if you can understand how much I love you, how much I hope for you and how much I appreciate you. I am sorry you went through such a rough time due to my poor judgment but thank you for giving me the reason and drive to get out of it.
Eric My Love, you are my only true love. Thank you for thinking I deserve your love.