LMo,

it is nice that you started this thread because, like you, i am truly blessed with a great husband. actually, we've known each other since 5th grade and grew up in the same neighborhood and played together. we did kinda go our own ways until our junior year in high school and began to run around together with another good friend. finally, we both wanted to move out of our parent's house. He travelled all the time and wanted a roommate to watch over his stuff, i worked full time and went to college p/t and need a roommate to help with rent as i didn't make enough $$$ to go alone. so, we rented a small house together sept. 1 of '89. amazingly, by november, i knew that i a man i totally loved and wanted to marry. had to keep that a secret for months until the other friend tore it out of me (in May '90). I was thrilled when he said that he felt the same way. we agreed to take it slow and not change anything. oct. 5, 1991, we were married. oddly enough, it wasn't until after we married before we went on dates. LOL

given all of the poor choices i had made previously, i was blessed with the good sense in marrying him. he has never called me names, manhandled me, or turned his back on me. the last 10 years, i have had a lot of mental and physical issues that forced him to be the sole caregiver of our son for 3 years because i was too depressed to do so. i had fibromyalgia for 4 years so severely that i could work but then have to lie down when home. he became caregiver again and had total responsibility for the household, cleaning, making meals, and yard work. we had a few years where i was able to help out (the fibro went away) then became sick and went through 8 surgeries over a few years which started the cycle again. where other men would have thrown in the towel, he stood beside me, supporting me and even left work to take me to appointments out of fear that i would not be able to drive safely.

i have always appreciated him. i cherish him even more so now after having read so many posts and talking to less fortunate women in chat. i'll never take him for granted.

i really pray for all the women (and men) on here who are hurt by their boyfriends or husbands on so many hideous ways. i wish that i could reach out and "save" them all. everyone deserves unconditional love where they feel safe, secure, and supported.

Blessings to all who live with indifference, abuse, and controlling, selfish, hateful, self serving men.