In April 2013, while the world was shaken by the Boston Marathon bombing, my life was shattered by a personal explosion. My ex-husband, with a firm gaze, told me, “I am no longer in love with you; this marriage is not working.” This revelation turned what I thought was a passing phase into a harsh reality. After four years of marriage and eight years together, with two young children, I was blindsided by his confession.
For three weeks, silence and estrangement dominated our lives until I confronted him. The truth emerged: he was in a relationship with another woman and planning a future without me. Within three months, I was served with divorce and custody papers, launching me into a battle I never anticipated. The divorce proceedings were brutal, filled with damning allegations. Verbal and emotional abuse became the norm, leading me to leave our home with only my clothes and my children’s belongings, seeking refuge in my sister’s basement for nine months.
Starting over was painful, marked by numerous court appearances and overwhelming stress. My first panic attack hit me unexpectedly, signaling the emotional storm ahead. Despair took hold, making even the simplest tasks insurmountable. Thoughts of suicide crept in as I struggled with unexplained aches and pains, curled up in bed despite beautiful summer days.
One day, unable to cope at work, I took a Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA) and sought help from a mental health professional. Diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and Depression, I began a journey toward healing. Although initially hesitant, I embraced therapy and medication. This diagnosis reshaped my approach to self-care, leading me to deep meditation, holistic well-being, and a renewed relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection.
As I fasted, a painful truth emerged: my ex-husband was in a full-blown affair. Counseling proved futile, and I faced constant verbal and emotional abuse. Eventually, I filed a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order and left our shared home. Legal battles ensued, with my ex-husband relentlessly pursuing primary custody. Amid false accusations and humiliating court days, my self-worth crumbled. Anxiety and panic attacks became frequent, and thoughts of suicide loomed.
Despite these challenges, I persevered. I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, managing my responsibilities as a mother and student while enduring the emotional turmoil. My dedication to serving God and spending time in His presence helped me complete my program and earn my BSN.
Through this journey, I found strength and purpose. God’s ongoing support and revelations reaffirmed His love for me, casting me as His beloved daughter in this transformative journey.