Battered

I read this while I was sitting in the a restaurant the other day:

He gave me flowers

I got flowers today. It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day.

We had our first argument last night and he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me.

I know that he is sorry and didn’t mean to say the things he said – because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day.

Last night he threw me into a wall and then started to choke me.

It seemed like a nightmare but you wake up from nightmares to find that they aren’t real.

I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry – because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. And it wasn’t Valentines Day or any other special day.

Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me.

Makeup and long sleeves didn’t hide the cuts and bruises this time.

I couldn’t go to work because I didn’t want anyone to know But I know he is sorry – because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today and it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day.

Last night he beat me again and it was much worse than all the other times.

If I leave him what will I do? How will I take care of the kids?

What about money? I’m afraid of him and too scared to leave him! But he must be sorry – because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. Today was a very special day. It was the day of my funeral. Last night he finally killed me. I was beaten to death. If only I would have gathered enough courage and strength to leave him.

So I got flowers today – for the very last time.

The author is listed as being unknown.

There was something tragic about how it reminded me of my mother.  So to all the battered women out there, it can get better.  But you have to get out.  It’s truly a wonderful things to see how much my mother has grown and how happy she is with her new life partner who treats her right.  Take care of one another.