October is domestic violence awareness month and there used to be a time I was ashamed and embarassed to tell my story. How did I end up here? How could such a strong-willed person fall victim to a world like this? I hid behind a smile hoping no one would notice. But now I know it wasn't my fault and I think it's important to speak out in the hopes it helps others.
I will never forget the night I found my dog shaking in a corner down the hallway of my house. I remember kneeling down beside him. The fear was visible in his eyes. I can't remember if that was one of the night a guilty fist punched a hole through the wall or I fought a loaded gun out of angry hands, but what I can remember is that in that moment I just knew. It was time and it was my dog who gave me all the reason I needed to stop making excuses and get out. I was scared. Terrified actually, but I had my dog and thankfully that was enough.
As time goes on I realize more and more that maybe my dog didn't give me the strength I needed, but helped me find the strength I already had. Maybe that night it wasn't about me saving my dog, but my dog saving me. Thank you little man for giving me my second chance.
"Because the last time will never be the last time and 'I'm sorry' will never be good enough." Please ask for help. You are NOT alone.
Below is a list of resources that may be helpful to you: