When I was being abused, my mom didn't know about the sexual abuse and she couldn't stop the physical abuse. She was incapable due to the violence my dad gave her. It wasn't until I was fourteen that things began to change for the better.
- My mom started attending Al-Anon. A 12-step group for adults affected by someones drinking.
- One year later she sat us down and announced she was divorcing my dad.
- She looked at me and said, "I'm going to be the parent now." I replied, "Good luck. You don't know what you're doing." She replied, "Well, that could be true but that's my decision."
- My dad moved out. He asked me to help him. I did
- Three months later the divorce was final.
As the years have passed, my mom has become my hero. Here's what I shared with her:
A
very happy 70th birthday to my hero, my Mom. I give thanks to our
loving Father for matching us up. I admire the courage it took and the
tough decisions you made to make our home a safe one. Like Superman,
you looked into your daughters hearts and found trouble. You found the
strength to do what was necessary - several times. May God remind you
of the legacy you have established for each of us. Thank you. We have a
sobriety and Savior baton to pass down to the next generation in our
family. Praise and glory be to God! I love you, Mom.
I hope my mom is around for a very long time or Jesus comes back before she dies. I know others are close to their mom, too. But then, some are not. I remember those days as it took decades for our relationship to heal. A lot of it was me asking her questions about my abuse and her being humble enough to answer those questions honestly, without excuses.
My mom...the godliest woman I know.
