My ground zero was two years ago. We had no milk, fresh fruit, or bread again. No gas in the car. He had a great job, so I knew I was asking for money we should have had. I knew what could happy, and maybe I should have kept quiet. Maybe it was just time to diffuse the situation. He lost it.
I can’t tell you where he hit me, but I can tell you what he said. “Leave with these kids and you’ll never see the light of day again.” I said nothing as he sped off, drunk again.
Through my shame, I saw the fear in my children’s eyes. “Never again. It ends today,” I whispered to myself. I packed our bags and found myself at A Safe Place.
I can’t remember much about my first few days there, but I can tell you how I felt. I felt safe and supported. And, in a short time, I felt in control of my life again. The journey has not been easy, but two years later, I have a cozy apartment, a job, and my two, happy beautiful children.
Because of the supports I found, we are free from the fists, and the fighting. Because of A Safe Place, we are free.