When I was growing up, there was always family in the house.  The only thing i saw was love, affection, singing and dancing.  I remember it was just fun and so much love until i turned 13.  My life became hell after that.   Abuse from my mother’s ex and  two years of abuse from an ex-boyfriend. I never understood why men felt the need to put their hands on a woman.  The world became a very different place, full of evil and hate, madness and hurt, depression and death.  I started journaling a few months ago because i was finally ready to face my demons.  I have more than one story of domestic violence, but this one sticks out more than the others because I grew up with him.  He was my childhood sweetheart;  my first Love, my first kiss and my first date.  It had been 14 years since we dated when we decided to try the relationship again; this time as adults.    Prior to our reconnection,  he was dating someone I knew.   I heard it was violent but I foolishly thought, this was me. I was the love of his life. He would change for me…wouldn’t he?