You're certainly not alone. I've known way too many who have been beaten for simply saying hi to an old friend. It's a lousy place to be, and no one should be hit for being friendly. And yes, the nurtz needed a class in compassion and assisting new mothers.
Powerful writing. The story, of course, but also the spare urgency of your prose. Nothing hiding, nothing to hide. I hope Greg is out there somewhere feeling the sting.
Once again, I was right there with you, collecting the jigsaw puzzle pieces that lay scattered about. (I will harbor some pieces in my own soul & pass along the rest to others as needed.) Even though I was not harmed in this way or for this reason, I knew what was coming as soon as John entered the scene.
“What will be the trigger?” I’d thought as I read. “Oh. Oh shit. For that? Just for that?”
And a reprimanding voice in my head (who knows which one…) replied, “WRONG ANSWER, Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm! HAVE YOU NOT LEARNED THIS LESSON YET? For Existing. The answer is: for existing. You/she/they/& all those who had the audacity to exist in the same sphere of their abuser. There doesn’t have to be a REASON when you exist in the sphere of an abuser. Your presence is all the reason they need.”
Aww, thanks. Your posts inspire many thoughts & many words. As long as I am able to string words together into coherent sentences, I will continue my quest for puzzle piece acquisition & keep wandering amongst the lovely trees like a mischievous woodland nymph.
<3 I read and reread every year you post this and savor it each time, the craft of it. I feel angry all over again with you, rage even. I feel it all, you've rendered so vividly
Kelly, this is so powerful and reflects so much control in terms of managing all that is going on her. It's a fantastic piece of writing about such a horrible ordeal. Have you submitted your work to The Memoirist? I, too, am glad this is in the past and that you are safe.
Thank you for this beautifully written piece. As I’ve learned through my own journey, these memories don’t fade, but sharing our stories can open doors to healing and advocacy.
Thank you for sharing this Kelly. The title of your story instantly brought back the deeply buried but not forgotten memory of the first time I was punched by my partner while I was pregnant with my first child. I was only 18 at the time and nearly 2 weeks overdue. That's what triggered the argument. He was accusing me of delaying the birth somehow. WTF??? The physical and mental abuse continued and got much, much worse. I left and never looked back just before my little boy turned 2. That boy is now 41 years old with a young family of his own and I'm proud to say that he is an absolutely amazing Daddy!!!
Your story has brought back a flood of memories that I have suppressed for so long. I've never told my son about the abuse that I suffered, and he has no memories of his father. We never saw him again. I didn't want him to think bad of him, so I only told him about his good qualities.
Maybe now is a good time to revisit some of those memories and share my story too.
Such a great piece of writing. I am glad you are safe now and am sorry for the abuse you endured. Fuck Greg, fuck that nurse, too.
🔥thank you Denise. Seriously.
You're certainly not alone. I've known way too many who have been beaten for simply saying hi to an old friend. It's a lousy place to be, and no one should be hit for being friendly. And yes, the nurtz needed a class in compassion and assisting new mothers.
Powerful writing. The story, of course, but also the spare urgency of your prose. Nothing hiding, nothing to hide. I hope Greg is out there somewhere feeling the sting.
Thanks, Kimberly. He died age 42 alcoholic liver disease. My baby was 3 months old when I left and never looked back.
I got chills reading this. I’m glad you’re safe now. There are too many stories like this.
Yes. 🥲One is too many. Thank you Lisa, for the read and the witness. 🙏🏻
The incident with the maternity nurse hurt. My expectations of men are low, unfortunately, but when women betray women, it cuts deeply. ❤️🩹
🥲right?
Once again, I was right there with you, collecting the jigsaw puzzle pieces that lay scattered about. (I will harbor some pieces in my own soul & pass along the rest to others as needed.) Even though I was not harmed in this way or for this reason, I knew what was coming as soon as John entered the scene.
“What will be the trigger?” I’d thought as I read. “Oh. Oh shit. For that? Just for that?”
And a reprimanding voice in my head (who knows which one…) replied, “WRONG ANSWER, Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm! HAVE YOU NOT LEARNED THIS LESSON YET? For Existing. The answer is: for existing. You/she/they/& all those who had the audacity to exist in the same sphere of their abuser. There doesn’t have to be a REASON when you exist in the sphere of an abuser. Your presence is all the reason they need.”
I know. I know.
🥲thank you Lavender Blue! I always love your comments.
Aww, thanks. Your posts inspire many thoughts & many words. As long as I am able to string words together into coherent sentences, I will continue my quest for puzzle piece acquisition & keep wandering amongst the lovely trees like a mischievous woodland nymph.
<3 I read and reread every year you post this and savor it each time, the craft of it. I feel angry all over again with you, rage even. I feel it all, you've rendered so vividly
Thank you - your support means so much to me. ❤️
wow, stunning <3 thank you for writing (brave!) and for sharing (braver!) and for leaving (bravest!)
Love this comment! Thank you for reading Yoda!
Kelly, this is so powerful and reflects so much control in terms of managing all that is going on her. It's a fantastic piece of writing about such a horrible ordeal. Have you submitted your work to The Memoirist? I, too, am glad this is in the past and that you are safe.
Thank you for this beautifully written piece. As I’ve learned through my own journey, these memories don’t fade, but sharing our stories can open doors to healing and advocacy.
Indeed, Fanen. Thank you for your thoughtful read and response.
Second and third that...that nurse was a total b.i.t.c.h. Congratulations on being a wonderful survivor, a thriver and a fabulous writer :-)
🥰Thank you Kisane! 👊🏻
Thank you for sharing this Kelly. The title of your story instantly brought back the deeply buried but not forgotten memory of the first time I was punched by my partner while I was pregnant with my first child. I was only 18 at the time and nearly 2 weeks overdue. That's what triggered the argument. He was accusing me of delaying the birth somehow. WTF??? The physical and mental abuse continued and got much, much worse. I left and never looked back just before my little boy turned 2. That boy is now 41 years old with a young family of his own and I'm proud to say that he is an absolutely amazing Daddy!!!
Your story has brought back a flood of memories that I have suppressed for so long. I've never told my son about the abuse that I suffered, and he has no memories of his father. We never saw him again. I didn't want him to think bad of him, so I only told him about his good qualities.
Maybe now is a good time to revisit some of those memories and share my story too.
I am so honored by your share, Fifi! And I’m sorry so many of us have suffered this violence and disregard. Write your story!