Go here and here to read parts one and two in this series.
My life changed in just an instant of passion. Frank and I married as soon as he was finished with basic training. We lived with my parents for a couple of months and then moved into an apartment. I clung to the hope that Frank truly loved me because he cried and held me tight before he left for basic training. We held each other and we both cried. I took that as my sign that I should go ahead and marry him when he returned. Up until that point, I was still undecided. My parents told me that I didn’t have to marry him just because I was pregnant. They let me make up my own mind.
Being a single, pregnant teenage mom was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. I never fit in again with my peers. They were all going off to college to start their lives away from home and to pursue careers. At that time, I felt like I missed a fun time of growing up, and I missed the opportunity to go to college.
Frank got a job his last year of high school and gave me the money for our baby’s expenses. He also sent money home to me while he was in basic training. He did try to provide for us and perhaps he loved me in his own way.
He always had a job; although, throughout our marriage he was fired or lost jobs from time to time. All through our marriage he was emotionally abusive. He was unfaithful to me several times that I knew for certain and countless other times that I couldn’t find a way to prove. His stories never added up, or they were so bizarre that in retrospect, they weren’t even believable. It was a bittersweet marriage. He was way too harsh with the children and at times physically abusive to them. I knew I had to get out, but I didn’t know where to find the strength.
Check back soon to read part four in this series.
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