For All Woman Kind

This is a candle vigil for some 14 women who were killed in Canada for being feminists in 1989.It is lit for all abuse of women everywhere in remembrance of those women.

My Story is a short one,but way too long for my short life.I was not the most treasure possesion in my marriage. Mind you I said possession.That is how I was treated for the almost 2 years I was with my ex husband. When we started dating everything was good.I was happy and giggly,as was he.I was the adament one for no sex before marriage.I wanted to wait.Little by little he got me to "Open Up" as he liked to call it. We had only been dating for 9 months when he took my gift.All I felt was empty inside.I even asked him if that was it. I should have felt more.Done more.Something.After that he considered me his.He started changing.He was meaner and more harsh.If I disagreed with him he yelled at me and grabbed me until I agreed.If I didn't feel like doing something,It didn't matter.He wanted "it".I went to me wedding day with bruises all over me except Where the dress was.He made sure I didn't have any bruises on my shoulders or my neck that day.Just my arms (I was wearing Long sleeves) and on my legs(floor length dress).
After we got married,He thought I was his property.No male could look at me or talk to me without his permission. I was to be by his side at all times unless he was at work.Then I was to be home.When I got a job,He made me carry a pager.He would get so mad if I didn't call him right back and tell him what I was doing.He couldn't hold down a job,so when he lost his,he still expected me to clean house and dishes while he sat around and did nothing.At that point I snapped and had my parents come pick me up with all my stuff.He had already broken half of it in fits of rage, but I took what was mine.
After that he went to stay with his 16 year old girlfriend.Mind you he was 21 at that point.I thought he was just staying with friends.We got back together about a month after I left.He said he had changed.I believed him.But nothing had.I got pregnant the month we got back together.The night before I found out,He told me he slept with the little tramp.Now I was worried about what I might have.What the baby might have.Our roommate moved out the end of that month because she was worried about her safety.I can't say I blame her.About a month later we had our own apartment. My parents came to visit,Was there 2 days and asked me point blank: "Do you want to come home with us?" I couldn't even speak.I broke out into tears and nodded yes.I knew this would be my only way out.
It's been a long time now,but the scars are still there.They always will.But I have a loving supportive man in my life, A new baby on the way,and a laughing toddler that makes me smile every time I see her.It will always be tough,and I will always have reminders,but they have made me a stronger person.And I thank God every day for that!