Trauma never leaves you. It will resurface throughout life, accompanied by experiences known as triggers. A smell, touch, sound, location, and so on can all serve as triggers. In my situation, it's revisiting some of my son's hardest times with a brain disorder. My battle with PTSD has made my fight for my son so much harder. I have made significant progress in overcoming the emotional distress caused by my abusive partner, but the scars will remain with my children and me for the rest of our lives.
Writing this weekend triggered nightmares that I did not expect. I am a stronger person today than I was then. I will never give up; I will not remain silent. It took me a long time to let go of the bitterness I was carrying. My hope over the years has been that he has changed his life and felt some remorse, so that no one else has to go through what he has done to me.
Today, I am experiencing a wide range of emotions, but I am determined to keep moving forward. I am a fighter and a survivor of domestic abuse. Look at this lovely and fun-loving family I belong to.