It feels like
only yesterday I held my baby girl in my arms, then again it also feels like a
lifetime ago. Time has a strange way of confusing me like this, flying by while
standing still in my memories.
When cleaning the
other day, I found this photo of me holding my daughter--it had fallen behind a
cupboard, probably years ago. (A sad indication of how often I clean behind my
cupboards!)
How I adored her,
and still do. I thought she was the most beautiful baby girl in the world and
imagined her perfect life to come: she would do well at school, get a good job
and marry a handsome, wonderful man.
She was a well
behaved baby, sleeping through the night at only six weeks old, never making a
fuss. Little did I know that life is simple when they are tiny and it gets a whole
lot more complicated as they grow up and the plans go off the rails.
We’ve weathered
all kinds of issues over the years and my heart has broken for her more than
once when she’s had to overcome problems, especially a marriage to a
controlling, psychologically abusive man.
I’ve never been
more proud of her than the day she said enough is enough and took back her
power and walked out on him, knowing full well he would make her life as
difficult as possible. I helped her through her acrimonious divorce and I’m over
the moon now she has finally gone to college to finish her education, something
he stopped her from doing.
It took her a
number of years but she has recovered her confidence, taken back her life and
is forging ahead. She is studying art and the beautiful, big colorful canvasses
she paints are a joy to behold.
I rarely talk
about family issues, especially when there are troubles, but right now I am happy
for her and optimistic for the future, more so than ever before.
I was amazingly naïve
before my daughter married. I’d never come across a man who treated his
wife/partner that way. This experience has influenced how I look at the world
and worked its way into my fiction. Has anything, good or bad, happened in your
life that had a huge, life-changing impact on you?
Helen
lives in South West England near Plymouth in Devon between the windswept
expanse of Dartmoor and the rocky Atlantic coast. As well as her wonderful,
long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a burmilla cat.
Helen has one of her Army Doctor stories in the Ten
Brides for Ten Hot Guys boxed set. (This set includes both sweet and steamy
books.) Find Helen on FaceBook
and Twitter, or visit her website.
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Helen, what a beautiful post that comes straight from the heart. I'm so happy that your daughter is in college and taking control of her life again. She's so beautiful and smart, and you've given a wonderful example and great support. She'll do well I'm sure and soon you'll be even more proud when she'll show you her graduation diploma.
ReplyDeleteI'll love your picture.
Thank you, Mona. She is really enjoying her course, and I've so pleased to see her enthusiastic about her life again.
DeleteI don't know your daughter, but I'm on her team! How wonderful that she took back her life and is thriving. Good for her, and for you and your husband for supporting her.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patti. It is a huge relief to know she is finally moving forward.
DeleteSo kind of you to share your daughter's trials and triumphs with us. Life takes us over many roads—some smooth, some bumpy. Finding my husband 21 years ago had a life-changing impact on me. It was like getting a second chance at life and I'm so grateful for his love and care.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to find that special person who makes life complete. I guess that is what all romance novels are about, and what makes them so popular.
DeleteSo glad she is free of him! And she is so lucky to have you in her life, thank you for sharing your story, sadly we hear these stories all the time and sometimes the woman doesn't have the support system she needs. You know I am lucky that I grew up in a home where my parents never really fought, yes they had arguments, but no yelling or screaming. My mom's dad drank a lot and did a lot of yelling and she never wanted that for any of us. I haven't found my person yet, but I hate conflict. I am a HUGE fan of yours love your books can't wait for the next one.
ReplyDeletePam, I had a similar upbringing, my parents argued but it was never anything terrible. My mother had a very strange childhood as her parents had never wanted children. She had a nanny and then was sent to boarding school at 5! She swore she would make sure her children had a happy home. I'm so pleased you enjoy my books!
DeleteThank you for sharing from your heart, Helen. I'm cheering your daughter on! So admire her for taking back her life and moving forward! Before I met the wonderful man I married, I was in a terrible relationship that lasted far longer than it should have. That experience, though, made me so appreciate Captain Cavedweller and his gentle kindness. I am grateful every day for his love and having him in my life.
ReplyDelete