Beaten up not beaten down

Tweet

I am a survivor of domestic violence. I spent over 15 years with a man who was suppose to love and protect me. Falling in love with his charm in high school and not knowing the monster that was waiting to be set free. I trusted him with my secret hopes, dreams and wishes for the future. We were married and the first year was great. As the home body life began to consume us, he began to change. First by still acting like a kid, staying out all night, buying man toys and having no regard for me or my feelings. I learned the first time I took a beating, questioning would release the monster. I'll spare you the details of the numerous beatings and verbal and mental assaults I was victim too. As the children came along the abuse became more server and regular. Never physical toward the children, just verbally, but that's enough. Durning one of his attacks I had mumbled that is should have followed Mt dream of being a artist. Then in front of the children he began to spill all my secret I had trusted him with years ago and preceded to tell the children how they were just dreams, and had to be because I wasn't worth accomplishing them. You get the idea, character beaten as well. All my dreams died that night. Of course I heard the I won't do it again, lies all lies. Always remember, a leopard will not or can not change their spots! Finally managing to get free, the children and I made a life for ourselves. Although it was a struggle somehow we managed. The my daughter coloring in her coloring book, reminded me of that night long ago, the night my dreams died. It sparked a light in me and somehow, those dreams, hopes and wishes were now a to do list. I haven't looked back. I have set out to do all those things that young girl wanted in her life. My outlook on life, You may be beaten, but don't be beaten down. You can survive.