Finding Love After an Abusive Marriage

In 1971 I met a man that I thought was the man of my dreams. In many ways he was, but unfortunately, he was also abusive. Most people would think I lost my mind for staying with him. But I truly loved him so much. He was always sorry after the beating; and I always forgave him. In 1973 we were married in a private ceremony in front of the Justice Of Peace with no family present. And, I forgot to mention, I was expecting our first child. Two weeks later I gave birth to a precious little boy whom we named Adam. I was so relieved that he was born healthy due to the fact that one of the worst beatings I ever got was when I was pregnant.

Shortly before his birth we had gotten our own apartment and I hoped things would get better, but they didn't. In fact, he wouldn't even tell my parents that Adam was born. Within the week I convinced him to invite my parents over so they could see their grandson. After they left, naturally, I received my weekly beating. A couple of years went by and I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl we named Jennifer. I received many beatings due to her birth. You see, his eyes were brown and hers weren't. Trust me, there is no truth to the old wives tale that brown eyes dominant. And yes, I still stayed with him. But, after years of mental and physical abuse I finally left him. I took my children with me when I left in 1982. I felt I needed a little time to get myself together.