Today is my birthday. To be honest I don't usually really bother about my own birthday much at all. However, this year it feels so different.
Six months ago my daughter met a man who turned about to be a monster. Constant threats of violence, guns, hitmen etc etc. loads of stuff smashed up and my terrified family in tatters.
The past couple of weeks has seen us free of him, mainly due to numerous police visits, and when I woke up today I just wanted to celebrate the fact that I have emotionally and mentally survived the horrors and fear of the past few months.
It's been an ok birthday. No great excitement. Just a few kind birthday wishes from friends and a couple a lovely presents but the greatest gift of all today has been to just feel safe and to know that, for today at least, my family is safe and that really feels like something rather overwhelming to celebrate.
We live one day at a time now, under the constant shadow that he may turn up and wreck our lives again. But somehow I have to try and keep some glimmer of hope in my heart of better days ahead.
So to all of you who are experiencing domestic abuse/violence or other major challenges in life I can only hope that you will find peace and security in your life again as living in fear in your own home is quite simply terrifying.
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Something to celebrate
heyday · 07/11/2014 22:33
Happy Birthday! Well done for you and your daughter. I hope the next year is violence free and you are able to enjoy life without constantly looking over your shoulder.
I hope you and your daughter aregetting counseling to help rid you of the terrifying memories of the six months of hell you have endured. Good luck!
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