I looked out the window as we sped down the freeway and back to the comfort of our compound home. Endless desert stretched out before us, camels dotted the landscape, interspersed with bedouin tents where men sat wrapped in blankets, stoking fires and sipping tea. My son leaned against my arm, rubbing the bump that remained on his head, where hours before he had been pushed into a cement wall and onto the floor. He laughed and played peek a boo with baby Soos who fussed and then giggled at his silliness. The stress of not eating our usual after school meal and sitting for hours in the hospital waiting room had taken it’s toll, leaving the children tired and impatient. We entered the compound and drove the loop finally arriving home. A quick snack, then brushing teeth and off to bed for the early morning wake up at 5 a.m. I got the little ones to sleep and then gingerly scooted next to my son on his single bed, watching the rise and fall of his chest and listening to his breathing. The doctor confirmed a concussion based on his symptoms, but said careful monitoring was all that was needed. I was relieved and spent the night next to him, waking him gently every hour until I was too tired to stay awake myself.
The next day brought more anxiety than usual as I woke the boys for school and made their lunches. I insisted on keeping my son home but the stress of not attending and the hours of work he would miss made him determined to go. It had been almost 24 hours and I could see it was a losing battle, so off with the driver they both went. As I waved goodbye the same old worries set in, magnified by events of the day before. I felt a sudden rush of anger paired with realization. I hesitated for a moment trying to shake off the cloud that came over me and seemed to resurface every few months. I swept and mopped, scrubbed and vacuumed but it was all for nothing as tears streamed down my face and into an invisible pool. I thought terrible things inside my mind, he didn’t care, he was wrong and I wanted more. Each time this frustration came, I carefully voiced my opinion and mentioned my inner most fears thinking this would some how soften his heart. The result was the same, he would remind me that I was listening to the shaytan (devil) and needed to be thankful for all that I had. I neatly tucked these thoughts away, filed under disobedient and ungrateful, begging for forgiveness and praying I could fix whatever triggered my unhappiness. I continued with my work, piles of laundry, cooking and baking, all the while wondering how my sons were doing at the Arabic school. I thought of all the good that I had been blessed with, but the waves of anger could not be held back. I remembered my own childhood, attending University elementary, where children were sent to the school nurse if they fell and scraped a knee. Teachers were firm but did not yell or call names and some left a lasting impression that shaped a young child’s future. I sat and furiously wrote a letter to the doctor, informing him that my sons were never to be turned away and in any event a call was always mandatory. I signed it and wrote the villa phone number at the bottom vowing to send it the next day. When I finished with my silent rant and calm had once again been restored, I approached him and gave him the letter. I asked him to deliver it to the doctor and explain that this was unacceptable and he was to call me if anything ever happened that lead my boys to his office. He agreed to do this and hugged me kindly, “Um Osama you worry too much, it’s not good and you are raising nervous children”.
I think you must have been filing things away in your head daily to survive. Another gripping post Lynn.
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Thanks Antonia xxx
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You must have been relieved that it was just a watch and see situation, but a concussion is so scary! Do you know if he actually delivered the letter?
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I think he did! He said he did and nothing ever happened again! So who knows!
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He is such a fool! xoxoxo Bestie 2
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xoxoxo! Are you home?
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Hi oh yes we are! Just did a huge shopping this am and I am now baking and cooking freezer foods! Yay! xoxoxo
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Wow hope you had fun! xoxo
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Each post I read confirms my belief that you have astounding courage and determination
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Thanks so much Maria! xxx
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🙂
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Sorry haha wrong person, i wrote you back hope u got it 🙂
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Yes – hence the smile
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Hahaha sorry lol you should have typed screaming as in your post!
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sorry Derrick I was on another comment! Thank you so very much for reading and your lovely comment! It means allot!
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May I just say that you are a very brave person indeed.
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Thanks so much for reading!
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I can see why you were nervous… sounds like you must have felt trapped.
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I did but just kept going, a feeling of what he might do in the back of my mind.
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Scary stuff. Well done for getting through it.
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Thanks Simon
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Such a contrast to how parents and children are treated in UK hospitals (and in US also, I am sure)
Coontrary to what he said, you have raised wonderful children xx
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thanks Lynda!
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Taking things lightly is one thing and then, there are some serious issues that need to be handled firmly. And your worry was not meaningless. How could he be so cold?! Is it because he wanted your sons to harden up? Even then, this is not right.
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I honestly dont know xx
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Hugs to you!
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hugs back CH! xx
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And something tells me he never did actually do as he said he would.
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He did! I insisted! When it came to my kids I insisted especially on issues like this
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I can feel your anger rising in this one. Shaytan my butt if you ask me he was clothed in sheep’s clothing but was nothing more than a Shaytan. Your courage against adversity is remarkable
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Thanks so much. I still struggle some days with leaving, changing, waiting to be punished.
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When it is instilled in you for a long period of time the brain customizes itself to that treatment. It takes a while to unlearn that teaching.
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Thanks so much, I know you are right!
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You are amazing and brave. Its heart breaking that you still struggle and have anxiety with decisions you made, waiting to be punished when you don’t deserve any punishment, oh my…. you are a hero!
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You are so very kind!! Thank you for sticking with me and reading! I am trying to move forward and each day is a new day. I can truly say so many people here including you, have helped me so much!
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Hmm, let me guess….the letter never made it to the doctor? He just doesn’t seem like the type that even cares. The stress must have been overwhelming for you!
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I honestly don’t know. It was weird I was just going along I think my brain was just not thinking in order to survive. I said how much I loved him, but inside I felt there were repercussions and knew not to cross the line. So, you just go along. Thanks for always reading Tasha! Greatly appreciate what you have to say! xx
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That anger was a good thing, Lynz. And there is no use in stuffing it into dark corners. Like a volcano, it eventually explodes. At least that was my experience. 🙂 As usual, I’m riveted by your story.
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It really does! It took years but then there was no going back I could not hold back my frustration!
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I don’t know how how you did it for so many years.. You’re a braver and stronger person than you gave yourself credit for
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Thanks for reading and your sweet comment!
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I don’t think we prepare our daughters for this and we should. They need to know that this behaviour isn’t right.
Leslie
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Yes I agree! I felt I was a trouble maker! well my daughters wow they are like no way! Since they saw me go through it they wont accept this behavior!they are strong women
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I’m glad to hear that Lyn. But this can be so insidious. Some men know what to say to gain our confidence then they can change. We sometimes need an exit plan. I went through that with both of my daughters. They are okay now but if it was a close call and if it wasn’t for women’s shelters they wouldn’t have made it.
Leslie
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Wow I am so sorry to hear that!
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He had a gun.
Leslie
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That is awful. Is she ok? xxx
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Yes she is fine now. This happened many years ago. He is no longer with us.
Leslie
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Wow scary. So glad she is safe
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We are too.
Leslie
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🙂
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Hearing that you had to push your hopes and dreams into the corners of your mind because they were deemed “evil” breaks my heart. You are so strong to have kept them alive for yourself and your children… and now the dreams are flourishing!
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thanks so much Jean!
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You are truly amazing Lynn.
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Thanks dear friend 🙂
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It’s true.
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🙂
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Another post filled with emotion Lynn. The story reels me in and I feel your frustration during these events. I always look forward to reading these, you are inspirational. 🙂
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thanks dearest Spear!! xxx
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Lynn, I just love reading these posts on your life – though that doesn’t seem to be the right way to say it. They are difficult, but so interesting and compelling. I am so glad that you are sharing them with us.
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Thanks so much for reading Sarah!!
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Not being heard, talking against walls, and the only reaction is ignorance or in the best case being told that there is something wrong with you… I did not go through such an abuse like you. But I know how it feels when you are not taken seriously…. but everybody else is. The frustration, desperation, and anger which is building up more and more can become overwhelming at times. I remember myself doing the household and tears are streaming down my face. Talking myself away from the situation and suppressing the hurt, telling myself I was too sensible on that. But one day…. we wake up!
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Yes you are so right one day we do wake up! Thank you for sharing your life with me! It helps to hear what you have gone through! xxx
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Glad you didn’t mind my excursion into my history. I learned for sure… and for the future! 💖
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No I really liked it and it is helpful to know what others have been through x
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I think so too. That is the great thing about sharing experiences. It helps others to see that they are not alone and that they are definitely understood!
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Yes this is so true! That really helps in our journey of understanding and healing.
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Truth 💖💖
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xxx
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I have now caught up with your story. wow, it leaves me speechless for both the resilience and strength in you as well for the situation you and the kids were in. Thank you for sharing this powerful account of your life.
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Thank you so much for reading! It really touches me that you care enough to read and catch up!!
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There’s connections in this blogging community.
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yes there are for sure!
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Another wonderful post, but heart breaking at the same time, as I think of everything you had to go through. So happy that you are out of all that, and free!!
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Thanks Joan for reading!
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I always look forward to reading your posts. Xx
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Thanks so much Joanxxx
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Raising nervous children…dear God. Nothing else to say, Lynn.
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I know! thanks for reading!
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I am so pleased your courage surfaced enough to leave dear Lynz… the more I read your story the more and more admiration I have for you, I must have missed one episode so i will backtrack.. I have been trying to catch up with many over the last day.in WP.. xxx Hugs Sue
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Thanks for reading Sue! I am posting the old stories that I stared with on Sundays and then new ones Wed. or Thursday. so, it might be an old one last. Thanks so much for continuing to read and inspire me!
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Thanks for that explanation Lynz, as the last one I read before this you had just given birth! 🙂 xxx Now I will follow the new ones, and I see I can catch up in your pages 🙂 xxx
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yes about a month ago a few people asked me to start posting the older stories, so next time I will try to think of how to put it so it makes sense. thanks for that insight I have always wondered for those who are new if it is confusing! HUGS xxx
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🙂 xxx
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🙂
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Even though he hugged you at the end, he still had to put in a dig, didn’t he? Worthless piece of you know what. But look where you are today! An inspiration to us all! xoxo
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Thanks so much KR. I felt good about this writing haha because I felt more successful at giving the feelings of how you keep pushing it all back and how you feel it is your fault, it is hard to explain so I felt I got closer! Thanks!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxo
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It’s a miracle Lynn that you and your children all came out of this healthy and balanced. It’s nerve shattering and so hard to fathom just how hard it has to have been for you and the chlldren,
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Thanks for reading Suzanne! It is hard to unravel, there is fear, worry etc. It took me 3 years to get my two youngest into school! I couldn’t figure it out but of course they were nervous. Even my older kids don’t like me being at home alone! I never understood! But after writing it is all coming together! So, there are things that linger but all and all everyone is doing great and moving forward! Thanks for your continued support! xxx
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HE is what triggered your unhappiness. 😦
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😦 interesting how the human mind can help you to survive and just go along! Yes it was him. I finally told my oldest son when he was at college I think it is him, you are right– he was like MOOOMM yes, he had been telling me for years, you are good, smart, the leader, listen to yourself!
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You have a good boy there Lynz. 🙂
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yes you are so right! 🙂
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Great read, does he ever read your blog or know about it?
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I don’t know! His brother liked my facebook page which is linked to this! Also a few relatives like it on fb. They don’t know very much English so not sure if they would understand. the other day he viewed my linkedin profile which made me nervous! I think that was the idea. So I wonder about it here and there. I have not had contact with him since July when he quit sending support money for the kids! So, I was afraid to write but then with support from everyone here it has gotten easier! I have lived in fear since I was a young woman and now don’t care!
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Does he have any contact with your kids? Perhaps it might be safer to be anonymous. Just concerned about your current safety, and apologies if I am prying!
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No its fine i just dont know how i could be anonymous at this point. He has contact with my two college age kids, he sends them a littke money for extra expenses but wont send us any. My son who is 12 asks about him!
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I meant in the respect of blogging anonymously, like under a pseudonym or something like that!
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Oh yes but his family knows, his wife ex wife asked to follow me haha. If i could do it over i would pick to do that but now a little late.
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Your not prying thanks for caring
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I can’t believe he hugged you! And spoke kindly. But it was just the jelly to stick the knife in again, “raising nervous children” indeed! If it had been left up to him, they wouldn’t have survived to be raised.
OH, I’m so glad this is the PAST!!!
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thanks so much dear for reading and commenting! thank God we are here!
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YES!!
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🙂
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So brave amongst such adversity, but you have survived to tell your story and have wonderful children who love you. By telling this maybe it will serve as a warning to other young impressionable girls that life can be very, very different in other cultures for women. Hugs lovely lady 🙂
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Thanks so much! hugs back!
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It just shows how elastic our hearts and minds can be. It keeps stretching and we keep soaking in.
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🙂
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This was another fascinating read, Lynn. I could picture you next to your boy making sure he was OK that night. I think any mother can relate to that protective and worried feeling. Good for you for the way you stood up for your kids with the letter! xoxo
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Thanks so much for reading and commenting! I did my best at that time and all I could do! xoxo
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This is weird that my comment came up as anonymous, it’s me, Cynthia. I was having trouble posting that comment for some reason.
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hahaha weird! thanks Cynthia!!! xxxxx
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xxxx
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Oh Lynn, your life of hell back then…just speechless, as always. xxx
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Thanks dear so much for reading! xxx
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I think all your fears helped you to survive in a such bad world, Lynz
Xoxo
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I think you are right! xxx
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❤
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Good for you for writing that note! You are a strong and determined person and I think this is what helped you get through those horrible years in Saudi. You have raised wonderful children, not nervous children.
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I tried dear PJ!! thanks so much those words mean allot to me. I have always worried after his negative words!
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I know that his words have affected you but they are just negative words and that is all. You are overcoming them! Yay!!!
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Yes so true! Just finished work yeah
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Yay! That’s great you only have to work part time. 🙂
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Yes! Well I need to work into full time. But for now part time getting used to it haha
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I’m glad you’re getting use to it and hopefully, liking it better. I’m sure when you get use to it you’ll get all the jobs you want! LOL! xoxo
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thanks so much PJ! xoxoxo
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xoxox
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xoxo
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Strong, strong person, you are! Sending hugs!
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Thanks dear! xxx
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I don’t even have words. How absolutely frustrating, manipulating, humiliating… So sorry dear Lynn.
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Thanks for reading sis! xxx
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… not good, soo much you tolerated!
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Thanks for reading Paula! Greatly appreciate it xx
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xoxo
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xoxo
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I feel so bad for your son and for you. You didn’t deserve any of this! So glad he’s OK and that you all escaped.
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Thanks for reading! xx
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I was going to ask if you thought he passed along your letter…but I see you have answered it. *hugs* to you and your bravery for being able to retell your life story xoxo
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thanks so much for reading xoxoxo
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He sure was insensitive in every single way !
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I have to agree!
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He acted like a monster to you Lynn. Big hugs 🙂
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Thanks for reading dear! xxx hope all is well
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Terrible that he behaved in that way – concussion is and can be so serious. No wonder you wanted your letter passed on. Glad you are out of that situation and that you and your family are free of such controlling behaviour.
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Thanks so much Marje!
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Wow!
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xx
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I could feel your fear and inner turmoil! It is amazing how much our gut instincts “know” even when we have been taught to ignore them, to not believe in them! You and your children were so brave™
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Thanks!
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🙂
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