Part I: Introduction * The Last Day*

 I am not looking for sympathy, warm fuzzies, or hugs.  I want to share my story in an effort to educate people about the subject of domestic violence and hopefully let others know that they are not alone, and, although it is not easy, there is always a way out. I don't know why I find it so difficult to write this and have tried many times before. If it sucks, oh well. I suppose the fact that October is "Domestic Violence Awareness" month has reminded me that I need to.  Oh yeah, and my therapist has been telling me to do it for quite some time now.  So here goes. I will add a little more to each blog post, so please follow, and share if you wish!  :)

"I don't give a shit what Mommy says.  I'M running the show here, not her!."  (What he said when toys were on the floor as he walked in from work and the boys said, "Mommy said we could play.")

"Nobody is gonna tell me there's anything wrong with MY kid."  (What he said when I suggested having our first son evaluated because he repeatedly hit himself in the head at the age of 9 months)

"Here, ya want me to do that for you?"  (What he said while hitting my son in the head when above action occurred.)

"Shut up, you fucking little punk brat"  (What he said when he slammed my son into the wall and hit him in the face.)

"When I get back I'll kick your fucking ass right here in front of your kids, and the neighbors, and I don't care who sees" (What he said before he took my car and went to the store for cigarettes.)

 "You ever touch my son again like that and you'll never see me or them again,"  (What I said the last time I saw him,)

 Noah was four, and Daniel was two. I was married to this man for 4 years, and lived with this almost every day.  Me, Miss Independent, was in an abusive marriage.  The one who, in the past, had advised many a friend in the same situation:  "Just leave."
Sounds easy, right?  Of course, it's very simple.  And we stay because "We like it."  At least that's what I've heard.  There is a lot of ignorance floating around out there about domestic violence.  The biggest piece is that "just leaving" is easy.  Stay tuned, follow my blog and read the rest of my story.  What you read here might surprise you.  What you share may save a life.  :)