Today I'm doing something I never imagined myself doing. I'm asking you, possibly just an acquaintance or a stranger, for help. In doing this, I'm sharing my personal story which I know places me in a terribly vulnerable position. I'm doing this because I know of no where else to turn.
In 2010, I married a man whom I thought was wonderful. He presented himself to be kind, loving, and hard working. I couldn't believe I had finally found my companion for life. After we got married, he immediately changed. At first, I told myself, "this is normal, remember what you learned in your marriage prep class...the first year is really hard, he is just going through a lot and will get better, just be patient, he doesn't mean it...."
He became increasingly verbally abusive. So much so that our apartment neighbor asked if he was hitting me. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I would apologize over and over to him just so he would stop yelling at me or stop making fun of me. I began to believe I was stupid and worthless. He also began to gamble more and more each day and refused to assist with our financial needs. I had to pay for everything. After a couple of emotionally/verbally and financially abusive years, he left me one week after I discovered I was pregnant with our second son. He said, "the greatest way I can hurt you is to destroy your eternal family, and that is exactly what I am going to do." I was heartbroken and I was afraid. Actually, to be more honest, I was petrified. I knew I would be a single mom. I knew I would have to fight legally for our children because he would not want to pay child support. How was I going to make this all work!
I ended up finding a job in Georgia which meant I would move from our home in Washington state. There I delivered my son Jacob via C-Section without any family with me. A friend was by my side during it. Thank goodness, because I was petrified and terribly sad that I was bringing this precious spirit into a broken family.
My husband, of course, decided that he was going to fight me for full custody. I know I can't allow him to have full custody because of his abusive nature. They need to be in a home where they are loved and cared for by a parent who wouldn't spend their food money on a game of poker. They need to be in a home where they are not made fun of or called stupid on a daily basis. They need a responsible, nurturing parent.
Because I live in Georgia, I have to have a lawyer to fight for custody. We are finally coming to trial this July. My husband has made it clear that he will fight me to trial because he knows I will have to pay for a lawyer. He's determined to hurt and/or break me in any way he can.
I have already paid over 17,000 in legal fees. I took out what little I had saved in my 401k. I've maxed out all of the credit cards I got just to pay for legal fees. I'm in massive debt now and I don't even know how I will pay it off as I won't have the money to make even the monthly payments. I just don't know what else I could do to get money to pay my retainer and fly to Washington for trial.
I love my boys and I know they need me to be their primary custodian. If I don't go to trial, I lose them. I need your help. I promise you that whatever is given to me will be used with the utmost respect and sacredness. I also promise you that I will help others in the future who are in a position such as I am in today. I WILL PAY IT FORWARD!
Thank you with all my heart, for whatever financial assistance you are able to provide to me. If you cannot help financially, any words of encouragement are greatly welcomed. Please share with your friends as you feel inspired to do so.
Also, if you have any further questions, please feel free to email me at serenityanderson20@gmail.com.
If you would like to donate, you may do so through this site. From what I understand you can donate anonymously. This site does take an additional 5% from your donation. If you would prefer that not to happen you may donate via paypal and do so using my email address serenityanderson20@gmail.com.
Thank you again for your support and help. I will keep you updated.
Sincerely, Serenity