This picture was taken one year ago today during our wedding ceremony in my step-daughter's dining room. It was a lovely time after a stressful day and I was actually very happy! Today is our first anniversary and tomorrow will be six months since I last spoke to my husband or had any direct contact with him. The most direct contact was when he punched me, destroying my face.I guess I should be having a rough time today. I'm not. It seems like a lifetime ago. I can be thankful for the few good times we shared and the really great wedding cake supplied by Chrystal! And I can be thankful that the daily Hell of living with the man is over.
I learned a great deal. I changed a great deal. The woman in the photo is not the woman I am today, thankfully! With every gain there is a loss and with every loss there is a gain. I have gained more than I lost and I have grown more in a year than I would ever have imagined possible. So, today is a day I can celebrate for those reasons!
I am, regrettably, still married to the monster and I hope this is the last time I have to say that on our anniversary.
Even so, I will think of the things I gained, count my blessings, and make it through another day!
