*This post is very personal, and serious. I hope it is informative on how healthy relationships should be and how to seek help. Here are some websites to check out: www.loveisnotabuse.com, www.breakthecycle.org, and www.joyfulhearfoundation.org. *
Here is part 1 and part 2, to catch up and not be lost. :)
He said he was outside my house and just needed to talk for just a bit. I told him I did not want to leave just talk and go to bed. I went out in my pj's, sweat shirt, and slippers. I told my parents, I was just going outside to see what he wanted real quick. They said okay, but not to take too long. I went to his car just to talk to him through the window and he said, just to get in since it was cold. I said, just to make it quick, I was already in bed. He said it would be, so I got in and he just took off!! I told him to go back and he said not until I listened to him! We drove around and he just yelled horrible things to me. I sat in silence, just cried, and prayed that I could escape this torture. At one point his dad called and he told him he was alone. We were heading to an old highway toward Texas. He was so angry and his words finally hit hard, I yelled back at him! He grabbed me by my sweat shirt and shook me up out of my seat. This was all while driving still!! That was it I curled up so tense and grabbed my knees. I sobbed and prayed that some how I could not be there at that moment, that somehow it was just a nightmare. We were near a school and I told him to take me home. He refused and held the door locked down. I had planned on running towards the building of the school as we approached a stop light and calling 911. He would not let go of the lock and I was weak from fear, so just sobbed resigned that he would never let me go.
As we finally turned heading south, it happened there was a road block coming up and if he turned around he would draw attention. I just knew the Lord sent it to help rescue me in that needy time. So as we approached he said to stop crying, sit up,and act normal! Haha, act normal this is my only way to get away from this fool!! Sure enough he brought attention to himself without me having to be obvious. His windshield was shattered, which was the first warning. I remember there were 3 sheriffs and one was a lady officer who came to my side, tried to open the door and asked me to step out. I didn't hesitate and looked back at him with my eyes saying goodbye. I was taken aside and asked why I was in slippers. I began to tell her what happened in the car, I couldn't help but start crying again and shake from the shock. The other officer had "the guy" pull to the other side and get out to be questioned. Then they had another officer come in a car to keep me warm, while asking more questions. He asked what happened, if I lived with him, and if he hurt me. I explained from the beginning of the night and had to demonstrate how he grabbed me. I then said he didn't let me get out when I told him and how he locked the door. He said that is false imprisonment and I would not be going home with him. He then went out to talk to the other officers and returned with a package. It was information on domestic violence and where to seek support. It opened my eyes to the past year of abuse I had been living. I was still sobbing and trying to take it all in. The awesome officer said another officer would escort me home and explained the steps I should take to stay safe. I was amazed at how much officers know about characteristics of abuse, how comforting a strangers care could feel, and how helpful they all were. They were definitely my angels that night!! So I commend all law enforcement officers for their service and care to our community.
I was taken home, tried calling ahead to alert my parents and warn them that a sheriff would bring me home. But no one answered, my dad was picking up my sister's from a winter ball dance and my mom was sleeping. I finally got home and just minutes later a call came from an advocate for abuse, its routine for situations like this. They informed me how to get a restraining order, what to do if he came over, and that they would send an officer if he was released. My mom came out once she heard me and I couldn't talk while on the phone. Once I got off I just sobbed and ran to her arms! Just then my dad and sister's got home, all frightened and asking questions. All my family showed support and love at this difficult time. I also received tons of support from close friends I still managed to have and I am forever grateful for them!!!
It didn't end here he was released that same night on bail and continued to try to convince other people to call me for him. I resisted and kept moving forward, it was very difficult, but I just couldn't go back. He also stalked friends at their work places and my boss at the time. These actions led to my decision to go through with the restraining order, in order to protect myself. For months I suffered from tension, paranoia and fear of the unknown.
God is good, He truly helped me heal, have courage, find forgiveness, and trust others again. It was not an easy journey and it was difficult writing this last part because of the hurtful memories, but I would not change it. Mostly because I was able to see how much I do mean to our Lord and that in His timing He does have someone who can truly love you without the abuse. I will never forget all He taught me through this experience. I hope that you too can learn from it help others or yourself and know that abuse is not love. <3
No comments:
Post a Comment