I've struggled to write this. It should be so much better. However I need to get it out one way or another. Oct. 1st begins Domestic Violence Awareness Month and today I want to tell you about my friend Jenifer. Jenifer, Nicole, and I met in high school and were instant friends. We had a lot in common. Our first babies were born a couple weeks apart. All boys. We were extremely close through some very tumultuous young adult years. Breakups, marriage, more children, new jobs. Everything. Jenifer started dating Steven and it seemed they were serious very early on. She fell for him quickly. Eventually, though, he became violent and the classic cycle of abuse, apology, honeymoon, tension, abuse began and lasted for a couple years. She left. She reported. She got protection orders. He would manipulate his way back in. He would threaten her children. Threaten her family. Sometimes he was just extremely charming. Other times she felt guilty. She did love him after all. In the end, s...
In this current political climate, being a mother, friend, activist, writer, my biggest daily hurdle is to remain positive. Here are my thoughts and experiences.