Dear Rich

Dear Rich:

Within the last month there have been constant emotional and physical reminders of our time together 20-some years ago. I'm not sure why this is all of a sudden happening to me, but I've decided that it means that it's time for me to source this for good. There are things that I should have told you a long time ago, but it was necessary for our relationship to end abruptly if not to protect myself.

My Mom and Dad both came from families where there was abuse, whether it be emotional or physical, I'm not totally positive. It was natural for them to carry on this abuse once they had their family. I was never physically abused, but there were mental and emotional things that occurred that I have dealt with my whole life. I realize that my situation is extremely mild in comparison to what is going on out there in the world, but I was still affected nevertheless. Saying that, it was natural for me to subconsciously chose boyfriends that treated me in a similar fashion. That's where you come into the picture.

I'm not sure if you know or realize that you were abusive to me mentally, emotionally, and physically. You were, and it was very scary. This abuse wasn't about "who I was" it was about who you were. There is a good chance that you were abused during your life as a child, and it doesn't matter who it was. Parent, teacher, uncle, sibling...it's all the same. I'm sorry for how this affected you. For all I know, you have awakened to the problem and have gotten help. It is not too late. I now you have a child also. It's not too late to get your child help as well. Health insurance does cover this. The best thing you can do is open your mind and heart. Please stop the chain of abuse so that the future generations of your family don't suffer in the same pain that you have.

I have stopped the chain of abuse with myself. My daughter is thriving and happy and I have a husband that treats me with love and respect. I kind of have you to thank for waking me up, but would be happier knowing that you have woken up too.

Hopeful Regards,

Julie