Dear Husband...

Here we are. At a crossroad unpredicted.

We've laughed. We've cried. We've made others jealous. We love. We live.

Ultimately we were on the fast track to happily ever after.

We had it all coming to light.

One month ago, laying in your arms, staring at the test, both so excited and in disbelief. This was it, our biggest dream, its coming true.

And it didn't take long to choose her name. It didn't take long to plan out what we would do.

We lay there excitedly talking of all the firsts. First heartbeat. First ultrasound. First kick. First midnight craving store run. First mass announcement. First diaper change. First word. First step. First, everything.

Oh how we dreamed.

We walked hand in hand through the baby area, we gushed at cute onsies, we admired pretty girly clothes, we window shopped for the furniture, we talked about the theme, we were elated, our happiness felt by any who passed. This was it.

One whole week we dreamed, we planned. We told our closest friend, we all hugged with tears of happiness and joy. Oh this baby, so wanted and already adored.

Me glowing like never before. You happier than the day I said I loved you. Us, just in momentary bliss.

But how soon it all shattered. How quick it all crumbled. How fast it was all ash.

A night of violent fighting, fuled by alcohol. A person I knew you never to be escapes.

"Domestic battery", says the official charge.

Now court dates, protective orders, lawyer fees, fears, anxiety, depression, prayers unanswered, countless court visits, sleepless nights, and no one to confide in whatsoever out of shame, have replaced all the previously mentioned joy.

None of this by my own hand, rather that of the state, scared of backlash if they don't go after you.

Now I, a single individual, must fight to keep not just myself, but my family together. I must fight to be stronger than ever for our child. I must fight to prove you are no monster. I must fight to maintain the love I have for you. I must fight the anxiety of going to the appointments alone. I must fight the tears. I must fight the depression.

I must fight. I must fight. I will fight.

By God if the world can't remember, let this be the reminder; hell hath no fury than that of a woman scorned!!