Katie, something similar happened to me several years ago. My first child was only an infant when my abusive husband and I parted. I was convinced that I was done and started dating a very handsome and loving young man that had just completed college. I cringed to even think of my husband once I met him and knew that I had screwed up by jumping the wrong broom with the wrong man...a man that would even hit me with a broom.

During out dating time, he helped heal some of my wounds by treating me tenderly w/compassion and dignity, like a man should. He treated my infant as though he was his own too.

I was stuck off in my old fashion ways and confused myself about raising my child with his natural father, my husband. My new love was offered a job that he couldnt refuse down in Mississippi (I had moved to Chicago with my husband but was a country girl) Anyhow, this man begged and pled for me to go with him and start life anew.

I refused. The next time I visited the south, surely I looked him up. He picked me up from Amtrak and took me to his house. When we arrived, dinner was done and being served by this woman. I had no idea that while she was setting the table and he was giving me 'the tour' that this was his wife! How rotten! Not to mention how our lips met long and sweet just minutes prior to entering 'their' home.

As time passed and I kept in close contact with some mutual friends and some of his own family, they'd tell me these rotten things this man would do to that woman.

All I can say is, "But by the Grace of God, there goes me."

Who knows what you were spared or even why.

Sugeree