It’s taken a little longer to get here than originally planned, hasn’t it? Growing older teaches you that not everything happens according to your plans or timeline. Who would I now be without the deep experiences that tender heart journeyed? Grandmother always said to stop wearing my heart on my sleeve, but she was from a harder time and we made it through, anyway.
That sleeve, though it’s tattered, is still hanging in there with wisdom beyond the years you suffered. That sleeve dries more tears than just yours, too. It’s a place of non judgement and advice to other women just like you. I need to apologize to you, though.
I know it’s painful to remember the moments he would hurt you, yet you chose to stay. Please forgive me for the trips to the dentist to remove your remaining broken teeth and the smile you lost for so many years because of embarrassment and shame. For the days you missed work because you couldn’t hide the bruises. For the homes, family and friends you lost because of his merciless chaos. Some said you were dumb for staying, some said you were a glutton for punishment. You had nowhere and no one else to turn to. It wasn’t desperation or stupidity that kept you in his grip. It was the fear of not making it on your own and the cruel things he did to make sure you stayed living in that fear. You should not be ashamed that your heart continued to love, even though they did not deserve it. Those decisions didn’t make you weak; you were truly the strong one. Don’t fear, little self, no one will ever hurt you like that again.
It pains me to see the sadness in your eyes as I look back. What they tried to make you believe, you’ve exceeded. You’re no longer the woman who pretends she’s got it all together, slowly dying inside. You’re more than the brunt of his punches and self loathing. People call you by your name now and you smile more and more each day. The world needs to hear the woman you were from the woman you are today. One foot in front of the other now, you’ve got solid ground you’re treading.
(pro writing aid style score: 83%)