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October 12, 2015

October Awareness Month ~ Domestic Violence

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by and for all your wonderful comments. I'm honored to have you here and I truly appreciate each of you more than you know!

October is, among other things, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I myself am a survivor of such abuse and therefore as soon as I was invited to the Hop to Stop I knew I had to take part.

While only my closest friends know of my experiences a number of years ago, I've decided to share at least some of my story here. I'm a double survivor. Yep, I got out of one abusive marriage only to find myself in another, where the abuse was worse. In both the abuse was both physical and mental and yes, I still have the scars today.

That said, I don't dwell on the negative. I got out and I don't see myself as a victim, although in the immediate aftermath, I perhaps did. And yes, there has been many times since them when the mental scars became almost too much. But thanks to the AMAZING support of those who do know my history and perhaps a little to do with my own inner strength, I'm still here. I am a survivor.

While my experiences don't define who I am, they have, all of them, helped shape me into the woman I am today. It might sound strange, but I look upon them all as a blessing of sorts, because they have given me an insight and real understanding of what others in similar situations are going through, which is particularly helpful within my Ministry.


If you've been touched by my post and would like to speak to me, in absolute confidence, about the issues raised, please do. I'm here for all of you, whether you're a regular reader, or this is the first time you've read one of my posts. You can reach me either via the Ministry page linked above, or by email to emlouisef at gmail dot com.

Card: Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Stamp set: Me = Grateful
Tools and embellishments: Bird Builder Punch, Decorative Dots TIEF, Deco Labels Framelits and Basic Pearls
Adhesives: Tear & Tape and Stampin' Dimensionals

Challenges...
The Hop to Stop at The Damsel of Distressed
#198 AAG at Pixie's Snippets Playground
#204 AAG at Word Art Wednesday

I'll be back on Wednesday with another Awareness Month creation, when I'll again share a little more of myself with you, my beloved readers and friends, so I hope you'll join me then.


15 comments:

  1. Absolutely beautiful and I am so sorry for your experiences but so happy you have made a comeback and so happy you have a creative ministry.

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  2. Beautiful card for such a worthy cause too.
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

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  3. Your story is so touching. It's so often that we find ourselves going through patterns of abuse and I'm happy to hear that you've realized it and are in a safe space. Your card is absolutely lovely and I thank you SO much for linking it up at the Hop to Stop!

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  4. beautiful, sutle beauty, simple and elegant! im following you know!

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  5. Such a pretty and peaceful design! Hugs!

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  6. Your card is beautiful! I really like the sentiment. Thank you for sharing what happened. I am so sorry for what you endured - and survived. I'm glad you got out. Sending big hugs your way.

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  7. Hi Em
    thank you for entering the playground with your stunning card.
    Perfect sentiment and lovely texture and dimension.
    Eve xx

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  8. Hi Em, fabulous card and made for such great cause. Hugs Jennifer xx

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  9. Hi Em this is a gorgeous card. Hugs Jackie

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  10. I am so glad you made it through both situations alive! I am glad you are a stronger positive person! I would like to send you a cards. I will e mail you. Your card is lovely and speaks from your heart!

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  11. Lovely card! Great cause. I experienced it first hand with my ex husband, hard to admit, hard to forget.

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  12. Hi Em, I too am a survivor, and like yourself, had to pick myself up and move on, as much as possible...I am so glad you have had amazing support...I had 2 very special people who helped me through, and of course I had my 1 year old daughter to take care off at the time, she is 28 now, and an amazing young lady with 2 children of her own. I love your card, and the sentiment is perfect, love and hugs xxx

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  13. Great card and an equally beautiful post Em.

    Love, Hugs and Blessings
    Jim

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  14. Very brave to share your experience. It's good to hear that you feel positive and see yourself as a survivor not a victim, I'm sure it's be a long hard road. This is a really gorgeous card and a beautiful sentiment. Creative Blessings, Tracy x

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I love to read your comments. Thanks for taking time to leave them!

Em xxx