Domestic Violence...with a challenge

      I spent the past weekend with my daughter (and my son too) - a bitter-sweet type of visit with her though...  One thing I didn't realize is the decisions I made in my life -  and how they affected her even now.  I don't want for her what I had...I want better for her.  I want her to be strong, independent, kind, happy...find a great man, and then have kids...  I don't want her to have 3 marriages, have to deal with someone treating her badly...by either hitting her, or making her feel like she is less than the other person...  I certainly don't want her to be lectured because she has done something wrong, or hit because she said something out of turn...  I don't want her to have the bathroom door ripped off the hinges while she is in the bathroom cowering.  I don't want her to have to explain behaviors...I don't want her to condone things that shouldn't be condoned...
         What I didn't know or realize is just HOW those decisions I made in my life was something that DID affect her...or the things she experienced and seen that she shouldn't have.  My kids had to deal with a man who beat them with a belt...it didn't matter who "did it", he would beat them all...  At the time, I didn't realize just how bad it really was...but I should have....the signs are all there, I was just too stupid to say anything, or too scared to...take your pick.  But - they were my kids - I should have been there to protect them, instead...sat by and did nothing.  Wow...how many of us has just sat by and did nothing when we have seen something going on that shouldn't be?    
     So, whether you have had a problem with Domestic Violence before, or if you are in it now - do something about it.  There is nothing wrong with going to a homeless shelter in order to make sure you all are safe.  There is nothing wrong with being safe, and keeping your kids safe from harm...it isn't just about YOU personally - it's about your kids too.  Reach out to anyone that will listen, and start to plan what you need to do to BE safe from harm.  Last but not least, scrapbook your way through it all - in order to begin to heal.  If it wasn't for this craft I wouldn't be alive to talk about my experiences today.  
     Your "challenge" is to create a "purple" layout of some sort - it doesn't have to be domestic violence related - it can just be a "purple" layout.  Or you can talk about domestic violence and what (if anything) it means to you.  Talk about a friend, loved one, or yourself that has gone through it...or what you would do if someone talked to you about going through the violence...  I know for me, I want to make a difference, at least in my daughter...but hopefully, in one other person's life.  Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy! 

Lynda Jeffs

Memories in Tyme