Okay...had to wait to comment...can't put into words what I am feeling...tears in my eyes....can relate personally and professionally--I too am a nurse--please read my very first post here..."Glimpse Behind My Mask"---http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=897235&member--...Thank You for putting this heartbreaking story out there...VERY WELL SAID!--Gin

Well.. I've seen two types of abuse. One is continuous and in every case, the abuser was kicked out permanently in a very short span of time. This violence seems a bit rare but then my circle of friends is rather limited. The more common version is instant violence. I see this quite often. Most times the violence plays out on inanimate objects.. like throwing an object that just hurt you. I've almost never seen anyone abuse anyone out of violence or anger although I did witness an event once at Disneyland. Some Islamic man smacked his wife for saying the wrong thing or at the wrong time. A whole crowd jumped his butt and security arrested him and marched him away. It's true that upbringing plays a key role in displays of violence. I'm afraid that there are still many societies that allow/promote spouse abuse (mostly man against woman). I'm just glad I don't live in one of those countries. As for the local versions, maybe I'm just lucky or very selective of my friends. It's extremely rare for me to see any of this, although I'd feel compelled to intervene if and when encountered. Having been an MP in vietnam, I was no stranger to violence but it's not rubbed off luckily. Most of that violence was alcohol and/or race related. (not counting soldiers shooting enemy soldiers, that's their job unfortunately) I don't have a solution except to substitute Pot for Alcohol. I really have never seen anyone smoking pot display any form of violence. So why is alcohol legal and pot isn't beats the heck out of me. Anyway.. sad story and well written Michelle. Hugs from Dave :^)

Masterfully writen, and lovingly explained! Bravo Michelle!

I feel so angry with sort of thing! I don't understand abusers! I'm a very large person, almost 7 foot nearly 22 stone and not an ounce of fat on me, being a black smith has shaped my body into a machine of intense power. There is almost nothing I can't lift or move if I want to. But this sort of thing leaves me feeling week and helpless. I just don't understand how a human could or would want to hurt another human being? I know I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box. But is there a psychologist or something out there that can explain this type stupidity? Shattered and confused! :(

You have brought tears to my eyes and an emptiness in my gut at the shame of not having thought of these people who need help. Amazingly written and so poignant.

A superb and most accurate descriptive piece. So sad and so true. Methinks until the 'real' MEN in our society decide not to let the other men(?) do this to women, it will only continue. I also think it's way past time for the ladies of the world to contact their legislatures and pass some TOUGH domestic abuse laws with actual real penalties. I think not enough, sadly, want to ''get involved''. Such a tragic waste, in my humble opinion. Excellent written piece! T.P.

One way or another nightmares do end. Such a tragic and sad story. Sadly this happens more often than not on a daily basis. Often it's the one that is suppose to love you the most is the one that hurts you the most. I'm at a loss for words. Don't know what the answer is. It all depends on the woman and how much abuse she can take before she decides to leave. Sadly, until she's ready to leave no one can make her. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with us.