Emotional Abuse-FEAR

[nodakbex]

Here is my entry for Domestic Abuse Prevention month/challenge:



This was inspired from past events.  My first wedding anniversary with my ex turned into a really awful argument.  I left the house on foot, scared out of my wits after he broke his hand punching a wall, screaming obscenities at me, throwing things, etc.  He was very scary.  I wasn't sure where to go so I actually went into a church parking lot and hid in some shrubs for a while.  Anyways, I read about domestic abuse and thought because I was never actually hit, I wasn't abused.  Trying to think of something for this challenge has in part helped me to face this and several other incidents.  Now I'm finally talking about the past and coming to terms with it.  Thank you so much for organizing this! 

I woke up in the middle of the night, remembering that night and how I was sitting and where.  That's how I came up with the design.  Then I found some generic images on Google of women sitting in this position.  I then altered the image a bit so when I look at it, I still see myself.  But I can insert anyone's face in it.

I used linen and black, red and gray DMC floss as well as red ribbon.

I'm really proud of it.  I have a hard time looking at it as does my wonderful, SECOND husband.     I'm just thankful that even though I have these emotional scars to deal with, I am no longer being hurt anymore.

Whew, ok no crying!  Thanks again for arranging this challenge as it forced me to deal with some things as well as expand my range of creativity. 

Bex

[kittykill]

Thank you so much for your entry and for your story. Both are inspiring!

[LiveLongandCraft]

Your work is wonderful and quite powerful. I am very sorry to hear about your past abuse but I am glad you have found a wonderful new husband!

[SevsOnlyGirl]

That is such a touching story!  Your needlework is wonderful!

[nodakbex]

Thank you so much!  I'm really touched by the responses. 

[theatreorchid]

I know from my own experience, emotional abuse is a hard thing to talk about (and often a hard thing to get people to understand).  Your piece is beautiful, so meaningful.  Thank you for sharing.

[Belladune]

very powerful image.   I'm glad you now have a wonderful, loving husband. 

[TheMistressT]

A powerful and important image and story.  Thank you for sharing them both.

[beccas_song]

Thank you for your courage. It sounds trite coming from a random comment, but it is sincere. Your strength in sharing this and moving forward are such a blessing to me and I'm sure many others.

[kjlutz]

Wow...

I love your stitching.