Letting Go into Perfect Love: Discovering the Extraordinary after Abuse

Writing in lyrical prose, the author recounts her challenging life encounters from her early days to her mature years. Often painful to read, her story parallels many human experiences common to countless females. The oldest of nine siblings, she was assigned responsibility for her family when illness and tragedy hit the childhood home. Young and innocent, her first marriage dissolved with her spouse’s mental illness. A single mother nurturing a young child, she was attracted to and wed an appealing suitor. Unfortunately, this husband’s superficial charm gradually morphed into dominating control and blatant abuse. Constantly exposed to brutish behavior, the writer remained in the marriage for twenty-five years before courageously severing the relationship. Fearful of not being able to support her four children and sensitive to her status if divorced, she earned several degrees during this period, sought self-understanding through counseling, and trusted her spiritual faith to bring her understanding and acceptance. Ultimately, the resilience of her love is reflected in her devotion to her children, her concern for her brethren, and especially in her final acceptance of herself as she achieves inner serenity. The mystical magnitude of her luminous love embraces the reader. This is a redemptive memoir with healing guidelines for those confined in or exposed to abusive relationships, for any who have endured family outrages, and for those wishing to accompany the writer on a journey towards self-realization.