The past few weeks I have been sticking to my schedule and working on the book a couple of hours each day. Things have finally taken shape in my mind and I feel I have come up with what I want things to look like. It might be a weird format but it’s what feels right to me so I will continue with it. I have been blogging three times a week which was what I had planned. It feels good that I can visualize what I want for my book before it was confusing and overwhelming. I am also proud that I am sticking to my blogging and writing schedule! Thank you all for being patient with visits to blogs and with support!!!
A recent picture of me and my dear mom, my mentor and my rock!
This is just a little free write and not connected to the book. Set on the Western compound where we lived for 7 years. Riyadh, 2000
Their annual visits lasted only 3 weeks and were shared with my sister in Al-Khobar. Weekends and traveling days were counted and parceled out making a schedule on the calendar. Boxes were stacked near the storage room wall after arriving to his office on the Western compound. Nothing was to be opened and not even a peek was allowed until they arrived. Mom would sit in the extra room sorting items of clothing, toys and little necessities that he had not provided for members of our household. Brightly colored gift bags reflected each child’s personality and stood waiting along the closet mirror. It was a time of comfort and support but also one that meant a glaring view of our reality.
A pool of blood formed on the floor where tissues had seeped through. I grabbed more napkins adding them to the crumpled mess that had been placed around my thumb. Bits of onion lay across the plastic cutting board left to dry, leaving their usual sting. At first a strange sensation flashed over me and I felt faint, grasping the plastic table to steady myself. I mopped the floor and picked up any remnants of this little accident not wanting the children to be panicked. The messy gob of sticky napkins was replaced and quickly an assessment of the situation was made. I was grateful that dinner was already prepared and onions to top a meal were optional!
The rest of the day mom and dad coddled me, replacing bandages and insisting that I sit and rest. School trips and clean up were all attended to and created a stark contrast to my overwhelming daily routine. Mom served the meal, dad did the evening dishes and the children assisted them. The evening progressed in its usual fashion; he watched the news, took a nap and then left for the night to sit with friends.
The next morning he grabbed his brief case and asked the usual questions, would I be leaving the compound with my parents and did I need anything from him. I stood gripping my thumb hoping that he would somehow show a sign of interest in my well- being. I told myself that he had not noticed and would have offered his help and inquiries if he had. I boldly stuck my hand out showing him a hole where part of my thumb was missing, explaining what had happened the day before. Disgust and irritation welled up and his words were sharp and deliberate “Why would you be so careless!” He walked away but first reminded me to rest and be ready for the usual time that night.
Did your mother ever feel like kicking his arse? (Or worse)
LikeLiked by 3 people
I always hid things and was brainwashed thinking it was he and I . He had told me they didnt care about me and it started sinking in. Anything they did to help I resisted!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Lynn, you know a mother always cares. She probably knew but didn’t say anything until you were ready to leave.
Leslie
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you are right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew our daughter was in a bad situation but couldn’t do anything about it. I had to wait until she was ready to make the move.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that is so true. It really has to be when your ready because it is a huge thing to live with and so difficult. I am glad I left but sometimes when its a tough time I think at least I knew where he was and knew his mood, now I live in fear of wondering if he will just show up. So yes its when you are ready. Thank you for your sharing!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Surely he’s moved on. He doesn’t live in the States now does he?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No he lives in Saudi but is Palestinian with US citizenship. We are married and own a home together. So very much linked up. I have not spoken to him since he left 2 years ago. He is just unpredictable and has made several past threats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then it pays to be wary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xxxx
LikeLike
I never fail to be annoyed by him, and amazed at your tenacity Lynn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Peter. In the end I felt like a walking talking nothing
LikeLiked by 1 person
….and just look how far you’ve come from there. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you are right! Thanks so much you are so kind xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lyn, I didn’t realize your sister lived in Al-Khobar. Is she also in the States now?
Good for you, blogging and working on the book. I’m glad it’s taking a definite shape, becoming an entity! This poignant memory with its emphasis on onions makes me think the process must be like peeling an onion for you–memories emerging as layers reveal what’s underneath. It can’t be the easiest thing to do!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Its not but these memories are kind of stuck inside so its helping to give them light. My sister married a saudi and introduced me to him. She said he was dream guy
LikeLike
Little did she know he’d become your nightmare. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
No! My mom was a busy lady at that time. She was a VP in charge of 2,000 people and she and dad came for a couple weeks during winter break. He was a teacher for 40 years. I was following a different religion and yes they were highly irritated with him but he did nice things for them and typical abuser he was good to them!!! He also was fairly nice to me in front of them. In the end she did know and had an idea I might come and stay! He would call me from the camp and scream then hang up numerous times and I finally told my dad one time. He was mad at them and yet smiled but then called me ranting and insisting I correct their behavior. So I broke down and told my dad please please do not say anything! He was furious! But he told me recenlty he was afraid to do anything and then leave me and 9 kids there!! He knew it would be taken out on me!
LikeLike
I can see how it could happen. In fact, someone I know quite well was in the exact same situation and she agonized about it but felt that until her daughter decided to leave, there was virtually nothing she could do except go visit and help out with the children as much as possible. It’s a tangled web we weave sometimes, isn’t it Lynn? 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a tangled web for sure. You are caught in fear and worry. It is hard to leave and hard to stay! xoxoxo
LikeLike
Great job, Lynn, in keeping to your schedule for writing and blogging. As you write, you are exposing the wounds to the light and they are healing. It is so good that your parents were able to visit and support you. Such a blessing to now live near your mom and dad! The book will be finished and published. xoxox
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stay focused, Lyn. The healing is coming as you gain strength through writing. 🌟✨💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Gail! You are so sweet and kind. I am hoping for that healing and praying for it to continue xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will. God is with you. 🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are doing an awesome job with sticking to your schedule! Your mom is a superstar! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is an amazing person and so strong and dear xoxo thanks KR!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynn
So happy for you. I cringed when I read about the missing thumb and hope it is healed now just like your heart.
As they write above, it is healing to get everything on paper and then put it out in the world. Then let the story speak for itself- perhaps it will become a movie.
Your writing plan seems doable and you are happy. That is the most important thing.
Susie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much dear Susie! Sorry for not reblogging I was away and unable to do it properly! Don’t want you to think I ignored you! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynz,
Hope you are well now. If you can reblog now also, it would help.:)
Susie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will tomorrow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! It will help the woman who needs the help.
Susie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to help but don’t feel comfortable posting anything where people ask for money. I will look into the fundraising page myself and donate. Thanks for making me aware of this blog and person!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would you mind to send me the link you want me to reblog? thanks so much xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynn
Thank you !
Here it is :https://pinkherald.com/2018/01/12/cancer-journey-part-7/#respond
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I thought it was the one about raising money for pets!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so wonderful to hear about your book coming together, Lynn. How exciting!
And another part of your past shared. I’m so glad you had your parents to remind you that you were and are loved. Good riddance to “him.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Diana! You are so kind xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so please you are continuing with your book and that you found the order in which you want to shape your book. It is a story worth telling and I am sure you will get it published.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Joseph! You are so kind. I will keep working!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleased to hear that
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see, that you are able to keep your wished schedule, dear sister 🙂
As usual, I feel like kicking the monster very hard.
So great for you to live close to your parents again.
Day by day you become stronger and more free and released.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks sweet and dearest sister!!
LikeLike
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
soooo glad you are working on your book! you are such a gifted writer and have such a story to tell! so proud of you Lynn!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jodi xoxo
LikeLike
Thank you for the update on the book – I’m so glad your schedule is working out for you!
As for the story, well, it just makes me angry to read about everything he put you through.
(Also, I really like that picture of you and your mom – you look so happy and content.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, how compassionate!! Thank God, you had your parents with you…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I know! They are wonderful
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know there were issues too but basically they were the pillar you needed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad things are coming together for you! You are such a great writer and your story needs to be shared.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Marci! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheering you on for your book! Keep at it! It takes awhile to write a book, especially a emotional one like yours, but I think you will touch so many lives with your heart spoken words.
(((HUGS))) to you and once again as I read your story about your thumb, I am so very glad you are out of that situation! Also so wonderful to have your Mom be your ROCK! Moms are GREAT! What a blessing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks soooo much for the encouragement! xx
LikeLike
You are so very welcome!!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
💜💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep writing, Lynn. Your story is a powerful one and you are a walking talking something of a person! Something wonderful. Someone wonderful. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! xo
LikeLike
Can’t wait to read your book. Your story is one that should be told and I am so pleased you have the strength to do so. You mum really is a superstar. And I admire your bravery, you escaped him before he could stamp you out as though you no longer existed. Awful person that he is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the support!
LikeLike
I can’t wait for the book, and the continued healing and empowerment that comes with it.
I enjoy you, and your family, here in your words so much Lynn. Thank you, for being you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for caring Colleen and for those wishes!! ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well with your goal for this year, and the book is going forward.
I hope this progress stays on course or gets even better. Best of luck with the writing! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are such wonderful words of support! Thank you Deborah xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great about meeting your goals for the book and blog! Congrats and stick with it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you’re able to stick with your schedule and your book is taking shape. Go with what works best for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks brother! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome sister! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t start writing my memoir until thirty years after the events it covers. I thought I had dealt with everything by then (mine includes surrendering a child to adoption). Yet when I reached the years when domestic violence became really, really, serious, I found I just didn’t want to revisit any of it. Good on you for facing up to your years of abuse, and writing your way out of the muddle. It’s hard for people who haven’t experienced it to understand just how demoralised you become, and how you blame yourself.
The odd thing is, that now I have written my book and it has been published, I find I don’t think about those years very much at all now. So perhaps there was residual angst to be discharged in the telling of the tale.
I’ve read all your posts now and it is an incredible story.
Good luck – and that is a wonderful photo by the way. So glad your family have been able to stay supportive despite the years of being pushed away by him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have to read your story!! Thank you so much for sharing and for reading my story! That means so much to me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s available on Amazon and Book Depository. The price goes up and down 🙂 . . . There is one paragraph I suspect you will relate to, “Nothing of my former life remained: no family, no friends, no education, no books, no letters. I was being swallowed up, consumed. Everything I tried seemed inadequate, and I concluded I was not worthy as wife or mother, and I deserved Colin’s wrath . . . ”
If this is how you are, or were, feeling, please take comfort in knowing that I managed to push through that, and now people who meet me for the first time could never imagine my being that woman. Hope this helps.
LikeLike
Love is how you made it through this, love for your parents, love for your children and love yourself. 💕 Take care of yourself!
I’m proud of what appears to be a very nice, happy person who must be relieved to not have to worry anymore.
Congratulations on slowing down in blogging but still moving ahead in your writing the book and story. 🌟❤🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robin. You are so kind ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
Lynn I am so proud of you for sticking with your plans on blogging and your blog. Well done my friend. Hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Congratulations on your writing and the book so far 😀😀😀
Let’s focus on that, the good things happening in your life right now, that’s what matters now x x x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elaine ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your writing now proves the quality of the book to come
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you derrick x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well done you are on your way to releasing the demons as you tell your story…I am sure it will be a blessed release for you….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those words are so lovely and comforting! Thank you Carol
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome Lynz I know how my sister struggled as she married an Iraqi man..Very intelligent, smart, hardworking but flawed…Much I believe to do with his upbringing and the regime he was raised under( Saddam Hussein) but didn’t alter the fact as to how my sister and her children had to live and the rules they had to abide by..But that is her story to tell 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes so true! He was raised in syria so very similiar!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes…I make no excuses for any actions but I do think upbringing and also having respect for woman is low on the agenda in many cultures 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes very true!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The more I read about him the more I dislike him. So glad he is out of your life! I am happy to hear about your book Lynn! Sounds wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks PJ! Xoxo
LikeLike
xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and your mom look great, Lynn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good to hear about your progress writing your book. You sound more confident of your ability to organize the stories you are telling about your life experience. You have come a long way, Lynn. Congratulations. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much! I am thankful for your encouragement❤️
LikeLike
Lovely picture, the joy the two of you have in each other shines out brightly. What a treasure family is; without mine I know my life would be a much poorer place. I like to grab of my good and productive days and make the most out of them, and then I record them here on WordPress, so I am able to take them out and gaze upon them when my anxiety comes for its regular visit, and by looking at them, I am reminded that the good days will come again. All that to say, I so enjoy your posts, pictures, and poems. ❤️Belinda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear Belinda! I love that idea of grabbing those good days! ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Part of being a mother is often to have to bite your tongue and bide your time. The hardest part, actually. I am delighted that you feel you have the form the book should take in your head. Whatever it is, if it is right for you it will work beautifully and you know that people will be delighted with what you produce. I believe in you xxx
LikeLike
Congratulations on the progress of your book Lynn. Lovely photo of you and your mom.
LikeLike
Good to know you are keeping to your schedule Lynz and you and your Mom look amazing in this photo.. 🙂
Reading the script you have given above, I can never say it enough, so pleased you are now where you are, and that book in what ever format you choose needs to be read by others who are held prisoner within their circumstances..
Sending Love my friend…<3
LikeLike
No one can ever be compared to a mother. And now I know where all your power comes from. Both of you ladies are epitome of strength.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you’re doing great with your book – the schedule seems ideal. When writing my book I worked 2-3 hours every morning five days a week. It’s amazing how much gets written in those precious hours. I read your free-writing piece with anger and disgust…there is never an excuse or reason for such behaviour. You have come a long long way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I thought maybe that was not enough time but that makes me feel better!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your writing and your book progress. Putting it all down on paper is incredibly therapeutic. 🌼
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Brigid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take all that suffering and turn it into something wonderful that will reach out to everyone. Your writing is amazing. You have inspired me to really focus on my memoir which is utterly different but I had a challenging childhood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for telling me xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it nice when a plan comes together, I couldn’t be happier for you. you rook the time you needed to put it all in order that made sense to you…life is good my friend and your doing great. I enjoyed the story, loved that your parents came and loved and cared for you, I can only imagine how hard it was for them to leave you and the kids there. An really he is an ass isn’t he!! love you sister….XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much dear kat xoxo love you lots sister xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Mom and Dad must have suffered from so much anxiety when they were separated from you and your children. Thank God you have them n your life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I am so glad to be near them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to hear your book is coming along! I so look forward to reading the finished product.
Bless your mother…she is an angel. Your dad too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Xx
LikeLike
I cringe as I read this. I know the feeling not as you but living with an abuser. You go about your duties and dare not to let anyone know for fear of retribution. your parents knew but to say anything would cause you more grief. My heart is singing that your are “safe”. You write you book and as you do you move away from him. I am sorry I am clogging up your likes etc but your story I can not let it go xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you soooo much for this support and encouragement xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
xxx
LikeLike