I remember the first time he hit me like it was yesterday. I had misplaced a twenty and the blow from his hand across my face is still etched in my mind. You would think that I would have seen the signs but I always thought to myself that it wouldn’t happen again, this would be the last time. This wasn’t how my life was supposed to be. I wanted to have a family, become a nurse, and just be happy.
I slowly began to lose myself. I lost my family, my friends, and any control I had over my life. There was a little glimmer of hope when I found out I was pregnant with my son. He didn’t see it like that though. A child would be a burden, an extra headache and that’s when I knew I had to leave. Even though he didn’t want a child he loved the control he got from being a “father” even though we had different definitions of that. My son was almost a year and a half old when we got into a huge fight. I was holding him in my arms thinking he wouldn’t hit me but the force of the hit across my face knocked us to the ground. There was a scratch across the baby’s head. The fight diffused and that night I planned to leave for good the next day. I had tried to leave so many times but I was terrified he’d find us. When I talked to Harmony House I knew this was my chance to leave. The next morning I packed everything in my car and never looked back.
The staff and advocates at Harmony House helped me through so much. I was finally able to heal and find myself again. A couple months in I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. I was so scared to take care of two children by myself but all the love and support I was given helped me build the confidence I needed to be the best mother I could be.
Harmony House helped me find a job and housing so I didn’t leave empty handed. Unfortunately months after leaving, my children’s father found me and attacked me in my driveway. When it happened I didn’t hesitate to call and tell the advocates what had happened. They welcomed my family back and I am on a journey of new healing. Since I left my abuser I was able to find a steady job and finish nursing school. I have a new house, new friends and a life with my family. I graduated from nursing school as a second time resident despite the downfall of my children’s father finding me. Harmony House is a huge blessing and I am so thankful to be here as I heal and recover. It’s been a rough battle with domestic violence but Harmony House has helped me find the strength to fight back and become a stronger mother and woman. I will be forever grateful for the change of hope that harmony House has given me. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family.
