View Full Version : My Story!


softheart
03-01-2003, 12:53 AM
I am not sure where this is suppose to be posted, but I am sure emme will move it were it belongs. Won't you emme...:)

Someone who is a member here and that I am close too told me while I was gone people were posting their stories of abuse and being survivors. I missed all those post, but they told me I should post my story, so I thought about it and decided to bare my soul. I have shared my story over the years with many in hopes that it would help one person.

I was married at the age of 13, to a man who was 14 years older then I was. Yes my Mother signed the papers anything to get rid of me. I wanted away from her as much as she wanted away from me. I looked at my first husband as my knight in shinning armor; yeah right he was my Mother only in male form. I had two sons from that marriage one at the age of 14 and one at the age of 19. I left my husband when my second son was two months old. I was so afraid he would hurt my boys. He had put me in the hospital 27 times in one year with broken bones. I stayed, many ask why. Because I believed I would change him and I also believed everyone lived like that since I was raised like that. The day I left him I went to my Mothers house, I was beaten so bad if I would have not had my sons with me she wouldn・t have known who I was. The day I divorced my ex-husband he walked by me in court and said I will get you one day mark my word Bitch, you won・t leave me. Those words rang in my head for years. He stalked me, he stalked my boys, and he threatened my boys and me constantly. In those days you couldn・t get any help from the police or the courts. So after looking over my shoulder for so long I left Oregon and came to stay with a friend here in Washington and went into hiding.
I decided to go back to school, I first got my GED, then I wanted to give back and work with kids and families, so maybe they wouldn・t have to go through what I went through. So I got my AA in drug and alcohol counseling, I received my degree in Solution Focus counseling for DASA, then I went on the get my Masters in Psychology with an emphases on family counseling. I also receive my BA in Adolescence Psychology. I had always wanted to learn, but was never allowed too first by my Mother and then my husband. I was in hiding so now I was free to be me. I went to school worked full time and raised my sons. My life was going well and the past seemed a long far away dream at this point, for the first time in my life I was safe.
In 1989 my Dad passed away, my Mom was a case after that worse then she ever was. Eighteen months later my Mom passed away. There were a lot of problems with my oldest son, who was just like his Father he beat his wife. Any way that is a whole different story, 4 moths after my Mom died, my son and daughter in law were killed. I felt because it had been so many years I would be safe and my ex had a right to know what happened to his son. I was sure at this point he had gone on with his life, so I called his sister and told her where I was and what had happen and that Rob needed to know. At that very moment my life was to change forever and I had not a clue what I had just done when I told her. He called me within a couple hours and of course blamed me for killing his son, which I had nothing to do with. My ex had waited all those years to get me and to make what he had said in court come true, that he would get me.
Six days from that phone call I made I was coming home and had my key in the door and the next thing I woke up in the hospital, I had been shot with a 300 savage and stabbed 67 times. I spent 28 days in the hospital. They were looking for my ex, but could not find him. They told me I couldn・t go home, until he was caught. I said BS I am going home, this man terrorized me for years and years and I will not allow him to ever control me again. So I went home against everyone・s advice. My best friend was staying with me, because I could barley walk and she wanted to be there if something did happen. Well I was home 5 days and she had gone downtown to the store, she was gone maybe 30 mins. When she came back she found me on the floor next to the bed. My ex had been watching and knew she was gone. That time he shot me with a 306 and stabbed me 47 times. I died twice once in the ambulance and once on the operating table. I spent 32 days in the hospital that time and they had still not caught him. They said the same thing that I could not go home until he was caught. I said the same thing BS I am going home. A couple days before I was to be released I got to thinking this is crazy he is going to kill me. I can・t go home, so I went and stayed with a friend in Seattle. The police were in my house waiting knowing he would come back. One week later he broke in the house, the police said he knew they were in there and he started shooting they shot and killed him in my living room.
This may sound crazy, but I felt certain sadness when he was killed, he was a monster, but he was the Father of my children. I went to the funeral home and looked at him and at that moment I was able to forgive him for all he had done. I knew that if I didn・t forgive him and let go, that even dead he would win, he would have had control of my whole life. That day I became a survivor not a victim.

I share this because I want anyone who is in that situation to know you can・t change them, it won・t be different this time, love isn・t suppose to hurt. And although you believe you aren・t worth it, you are worth it. You are a wonderful caring loving person, who has a right to be loved and cared for without it hurting.
There is a very good book called Defending Our Lives by Susan Murphy-Milano. Please read it and know there are people out there who will help you and who care and will help you get out safely.

softie

Jeni
03-01-2003, 01:14 AM
i don't even know what to say. You are an incredible person who has a heart as big as anything i have ever seen. I can't even Imagine what you went through, but I admire, respect, and love you for telling your story, it couldn't have been easy. We love you, and appreciate you for everything that you are as a person. Thank you for your words, your smiles, and your life.

LucidDream
03-01-2003, 01:17 AM
Softie,
your story is truly horrifying in what has happened to you..yet you came out a survivor and have such strength and kindness for those around you. You have always had my admiration from the day we talked and it only grows deeper the more I know you. I am so happy that you are here today. Now we are blessed with your kindness and love. (((((((Softie)))))))))
love ya
Cindy

Valerie
03-01-2003, 01:18 AM
Softie,I'm in shock! Just hearing the story made me want to kill him.I just can't imagine being so kind.I'm sure your story would have to, save and change lives if it hasen't already.I wish you all good things that life can possibly offer.

TxRenee
03-01-2003, 01:35 AM
Softie,
You know how I feel about you after just one night of long chat! There really isn't much I wouldn't do for you and I have never gotten to hear your voice even. (YET) :)
God Bless you Hon thats the best thing I can think of to say and I hope it means as much to you as it does to me... YOU ARE TRUELY AN ANGEL. You changed me and someday I will get to hug you and Thank you for this change.
We are NEVER to old to change our minds!!
Pro DP 41 and 1/2 yrs.....AGAINST DP 3 months.
We love you
Renee

Chevygal55
03-01-2003, 01:48 AM
Softie I am lost for words... you are an amazing incredible person! I knew you were heaven sent!

Beck

softheart
03-01-2003, 01:59 AM
Thank you all, each and everyone of you have brought something special into my life. You all have carved your own special place in my heart.

I believe that everything happens for a reason and I believe the things that happened to me many years ago did for a reason. I have always believed that if my story can help one person, then it all had a purpose. And if it does help that one person then i would go through it all again because it is worth it.

softie

softheart
03-01-2003, 02:09 AM
Renee I didn't chnage your mind, you did. You looked at things with love in your heart and an open mind and saw the unjustice. You are an incredible person and Tony is sooooo lucky to have you. I love you.

Cindy you already know how amazing and caring I think you are. hugss

Jeni you are so caring and you make me smile.

Val you are so sweet and always such kind words for everyone.

Becky I look forward to getting to know you more.

Everyone on this earth is special no one being more special then another. We all have our stories and things to share.

softie

Ken
03-01-2003, 03:05 AM
softie,

You had shared some of this story with me before - quite a while back - but not in such detail. My heart goes out to you!

I too believe that things happen for a reason and although I would NEVER wish what happened to you on anyone, if this is what brought you to where you are today then so be it.

You reached out to me - a stranger - and offered a hand when I was new to this system and needed help. I know that you reach out to many - sometimes probably too many, but you always find the time and the energy. I believe that your ability to forgive this man his wrongs is what built the strength of character that you have today! You are truly awesome and the world is a better place because of you!

I am glad that you are in my life softie! Thank you for sharing your story. (Give that kitty a hug for me!)

Lucrisid
03-01-2003, 03:21 AM
Wow- what a story! Yes- you are a survivor! I have also learned how forgiveness can be so healing. I don't know though if I would have had the strenghth and kindness to forgive my ex if he would have done to me what yours did to you.
I am glad and grate ful you told us your story!


Take care,

Tanya

SHERRON
03-01-2003, 07:07 AM
Softie.....this made me cry.....i am so sorry for what you went through!!!!!!! I too have been through a lot of abuse all my life and I was also married to a monster.......only he ended up killing his son and then he killed his-self.......so Softie my heart really goes out to you.......love you, Softie!!!!!!!!

cepora
03-01-2003, 07:31 AM
I am so very sorry for what you have gone through. I am speechless. My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers.

deb
03-01-2003, 08:23 AM
softie,

Thank you so much for sharing. Many of us have gone thru abuse when we were younger and I too thought it was normal and everyone lived that way. My abusive home was not to the degree your's was and for you to have been able to leave and later forgive shows your strength and compassion.

I was in counseling for years and was able to let go as well. Prior to that I was consumed with resentment. It was such a powerful lifting of negativity when I was able to let it go. A counselor once said to me " Your dad, as a child, did not say when I get big I want to......" No, he lived what he knew and carried tremendous guilt inside of him for years.....

Deb

danielle
03-01-2003, 09:19 AM
You are an amazing, kind, and compassionate woman. Thank you so much for sharing your story, for baring your soul, and for being the wounderfully, unique person you are.

Phil in Paris
03-01-2003, 09:57 AM
Thank you for sharing your story Softie !!! And gosh what a story !!!

I'm proud of knowing such a wonderful kind and caring person !!!

All my love
Phil

lulu
03-01-2003, 10:10 AM
I was hoping you would share your story. :)

emme can move this to the abused section? or what ever that forum is called. that way every one that sees it will see sofites story.

Thank you for sharing this with every one softie. I was hoping you would.

cherrie
03-01-2003, 10:25 AM
Oh Softie, I knew from the first time you came on PTO there was something wonderful about you. You are so courageous in so many things and to have to endure this. My gosh I am so glad that you are here today. I know that he is the father of your sons and all but he should die noone should have to go through what you did. Big hug and thanks for sharing a part of you with us.

Cherrie from tx

Joy
03-01-2003, 10:52 AM
Softie, you know how I feel. Your story is an amazing one. It's amazing how so many women come out with such great strength through things like this.

I never understood how I got into an abusive situation because I didn't grow up in it. I had Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver as parents. They never fought, yelled... etc. I think maybe that's why I stayed so long was because I KNEW what a marriage was supposed to be and wanted to make it happen so bad.

Like you said, you can't change anyone or make them do anything, unless they themselves want to change. Thanks for sharing your story.

Joy

softheart
03-01-2003, 10:56 AM
Teb you are right, every thing that happens to us good or bad shapes who we become. Helping you helped me more then you know.

Abuse of any kind is wrong, any time another person is abused it is a crime. Everytime I hear of a story of abuse, it tears my heart up. Rather it be in the system or out here or of an animal. I think how many people and animals are huddled in a corner needing to be helped.
My cries for help fell on deaf ears for many years, as in so many times. I promised myself that if I could help it, anyones cries for help would not fall on those same deaf ears as mine did.

I am hoping she will move it Lulu i couldn't find the thread my friend was talking about. So I posted it here knowing emme would fix it for me....:)

softie

emme
03-01-2003, 12:28 PM
i'm here, and i fixed it...sorry to be a little late...

oh my goodness, softie, you completely stun me. there are so many different types of people in the world...all making choices...some wise, some not so wise...and here you are, making a difference to so many...and such a positive difference...thank you so much for all that you do.

xo
emme

softheart
03-01-2003, 12:32 PM
Thank you emme, I knew you would fix it, your a sweetie.

softie

Lysbeth
03-01-2003, 01:35 PM
Softie, I just could hardly believe what I was reading... what an amazing story. I am so, so thankful you survived that horror and lived to tell about it on PTO. You are an amazing, strong, and inspiring woman... thanks for sharing with us.

Lys

softheart
03-01-2003, 02:18 PM
With abuse comes isolation and maybe with sharing stories, people will know they aren't alone and that there are people out here who love and care for them. I don't know who started this thread, but I think it is a wonderful idea.

softie

Frisco's Girl
03-01-2003, 05:05 PM
Softie,

All I can say is Thank you for sharing.

God Bless you and your family,

Love,

Linda and Patti

Frisco's Girl
03-01-2003, 06:02 PM
Softie,

May I print this thread and send it to Patti?

Linda

softheart
03-01-2003, 10:12 PM
Yes Linda you are more then welcome to print it out and send to Patti.
Please also send her my Love.
hugsss
softie

Frisco's Girl
03-01-2003, 10:15 PM
Thank you, Softie,

Maybe some day she will write about what caused her divorce.

I will send your love, ((((((Hugs to you))))))))

Linda

softheart
03-01-2003, 10:26 PM
When and if she feels comfortable I would love to hear her story.

softie

Enjay
03-02-2003, 10:11 AM
Softie,

I have always known from the first day I read one of your posts that you are an Angel. But until now I never even would have guessed what you had to go through to get where you are today!! I've told you before what an inspiration you are to me. Now more then ever!! You are amazing!! You reach out to so many and REALLY make a difference in their lives! You got me to start writing guys on the row and I wouldn't trade them and what they teach me for anything!! You are, and always will be, one of the people who made a difference in MY life!! Thank you for your story and for all you do for me and everyone you are near!! I send you all my love, Softie, and I mean that!!!!

shalove
03-02-2003, 04:09 PM
omg.... softheart. i dont know what to say it brought tears to my eyes. and to know that you are still with us today. we love you and i am so glad you are still here. and not a number in the murder column. it made me choke. i was in a situation like that but it never got that bad. i mean i had been beaten badly but never that bad. thank god for your survival he was there for you too. take care and keep in touch. pm me sometime if you need to talk.

IRIST
03-02-2003, 04:50 PM
SOFTIE, I BELIEVE THERE ARE ANGELS ON THIS EARTH TODAY, JUST TO WATCH OVER EACH AND EVERYONE OF US. I KNOW GOD HAD PUT MANY ANGELS WATCHING OVER YOU THRU THOSE DARK BAD HORRIBLE TIMES IN YOUR LIFE AND BROUGHT YOU THRU ALL THE DARK TIMES INTO THE BRIGHT SUNSHINE THAT YOU LIVE IN TODAY. YES THERE ARE ANGELS THAT WALKED THIS EARTH AND I FEEL LIKE YOU WERE ONE OF HIS CHOSEN ANGELS THAT HE KEPT HERE ON EARTH TO HELP HIM DO HIS WORK, AND SEEMS TO ME THAT BY FORGIVING YOUR X AT HIS FUNERAL FOR WHAT HE DID TO YOU, GOD REACHED OUT AND GAVE YOU YOUR WINGS, OF COURSE WE CAN NOT SEE THEM, BUT WE SEE YOUR WINGS IN THE GOOD THINGS YOU SAY, DO, AND SEEM TO ALWAYS WANT TO REACH OUT AND HELP. YOU SAID YOU DIED TWO TIMES ON THE WAY TO THE HOSP. WELL THAT IS WHEN GOD TOOK YOU INTO HIS ARMS AND SAW WHAT A GOOD PERSON YOU WERE AND KNEW YOU WOULD BE WORTHY OF HIM LETTING YOU COME BACK TO YOUR CHILDREN AND SHOWING YOU THE WAY TO GO. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ARE A VERY SPECIAL CHILD OF GOD AND YOU WERE NEVER ALONE DURING YOUR DARK TIMES, AND YES THERE WERE EARS THAT HEARD YOUR CRYS AND FELT YOUR PAIN, GOD DID AND HELPED YOU WALK AWAY FROM SUCH A LIFE. HE KNEW YOU WERE A LOVING, KIND, COMPASSIONATE, GIVING PERSON, AND THAT IS WHY YOU ARE WITH US ALL TODAY. I AM SO SORRY FOR WHAT YOU WENT THRU. BUT WE CAN NOT TURN BACK THE CLOCK WE MUST GO ON, I KNOW YOU WILL GO ON TO GREAT THINGS IN LIFE AND YOU WILL BE THE ONE THAT WILL ALWAYS HERE THE CRIES AND FEEL THE PAIN IN OTHERS.
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THEM WITH YOUR HAND OUT TO HELP PICK THEM UP AND WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND THEM AND HELP EASE THE PAIN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

softheart
03-03-2003, 11:59 AM
I appreciate everyone's kind words and feelings. I believe stories like these will help others who are in the same boat.

huggs
softie

MizzCandy
07-21-2003, 04:10 PM
O know thic is an old post but I am in total shock of how some people can have so much hate in them to harm another that they cared about so much! I am truely sorry and greatful you lived to tell about it! (((((HUGS)))))))

Sweetiegirl
07-22-2003, 03:11 AM
Softie, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been angry with my ex husband for a couple of years. I swore to him I would never forgive him for the hospital stays and the two babies he caused me to lose. After reading your story though (and crying for awhile), I decide it is time to let go of that anger for him. I can forgive him without forgetting the lessons I learned from my marriage. Thank you and you are the strongest woman!

Kaleilehua151
07-22-2003, 05:26 AM
Dear Softheart, Your story brought tears to my eyes. You are truly an inspiration to me. You give many women hope in knowing that we do not have to be victimized. Yes, you are truly a survivor. Thank you for sharing your story.
Aloha, Kaleilehua

softheart
07-22-2003, 02:38 PM
Sweetiegirl I am so glad that my story has helped you to see that you can forgive, but not forget.

If you have all the hate for your ex in the long run he wins, because even though he may not be in your life he still has control over you.

Learning to forgive is a great healing process for us.

That doesn't mean we ever forget, but we have to let go of the hate and anger we have inside. Then we become survivers and are no longer victims.

If you ever need a shoulder my door is always open and you can pm me anytime. My door is always open to everyone.

hugs
softie

Steve&kids
07-22-2003, 02:56 PM
Its amazing that you have lived to tell your story. To reach into your heart and to forgive as you have is even more amazing. You truly have a heart unlike any other. Steve&kids

JoshsGirl2003
07-23-2003, 11:58 AM
Wow, I can't believe you survived that. What a truly heartbreaking story. I think along with everyone else u are an amazing woman and have survived more than anyone else does in a lifetime. Wishing you all the best in everything that you do.

lovinbilly4ever
07-23-2003, 01:13 PM
wow, what a story!!! i am at a loss for words..WHICH IS RARE!!! *smile*

anyways, looks like you have grown from this horrible stuff that happened...and have bettered your life. *hugs*

udevilish
08-19-2003, 04:11 PM
OMG!!! Honey you are the true survivor I have just left my abusive relationship I have tried many times before but this is the longest I have stayed away the longest before was a week but I called him 3 or 4 times a day this time I have been gone a month yesterday I have called him but only when I was checking on my kids and I have stopped every conversation about us getting back together I am never returning but I must say i am terrified because I am alone foer the very first itme in my life no job no money no hiuse no car and 3 kids what am I to do I have no family either that can help so what do I do well I guess I will find a way somehow huh thank you for sharing your story it makes me realize I can survive