Domestic Violence Awareness -- "I Got Flowers Today" - Poem

(Dedicated to Battered Women)

I got flowers today!

It wasn't my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night; He said a lot of cruel things that really hurt; I know that he is sorry and didn't mean to say the things he said; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.

It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day. Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare. I couldn't believe that it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. I know he must be sorry. Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today!

It wasn't our anniversary or any other special day; Last night he threw me into a wall and then started choking me; It seemed unreal, a nightmare, but you wake up from nightmares; And I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over—but I know he is sorry; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today!

And it wasn't Valentines Day or any other special day; Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me; Make-up and long sleeves didn't hide the cuts and bruises this time; I couldn't go to work today because I didn't want anyone to know—but I know he’s sorry; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today! And it wasn't Mother’s Day or any other special day; Last night he beat me again, and it was much worse than all of the other times;

If I leave him, what will I do?

 How will I take care of the kids? What about money? I’m afraid of him, but I’m too scared and dependent to leave him!

But he must be sorry; Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today….

Today was a special day — it was the day of my funeral; Last night he killed me; If only I would have gathered the courage and strength to leave him; I could have received help from the Women’s Shelter, but I didn't ask for their help;

So I got flowers today—for the last time.

- Author Unknown -

Poem Source - Domestic Violence Angels on Facebook

Being a Survivor, I know the feelings that you go through when your being abused. It comes out of no where and even though that person just hurt you, they've been your "right-hand man" for years! Alot of times it takes alot for a woman to hit her breaking point. We can handle alot and we know what Love and Hatred looks like... We're not stupid, we're just scared, lost and alone. Most people ,who are being abused, just need someone who truly cares about them and shows that love on a daily basis. This person can be a friend, parent, family member... As long as she can trust someone and see that she is loved and needed in this world, She will Survive!

Domestic Violence Awareness - Speak Up - Guest Post

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month I've partnered up with Erin at 3SonsHaveI and have changed the focus of our blogs to help spread awareness for a very important cause, Domestic Violence Awareness! Erin was kind enough to share with us some information that may help someone get the help that they need. I hope you enjoy her guest post.

It is always hard for me to share these-but I saw this and had to! How could I not share?

This song and slideshow speaks the truth. You can see it in their eyes. Those were my eyes once and situations may change, but the horrible memories never go away...

You talk to your kids about drugs, sex and school - Have you talked to them about Domestic Violence? Odds are someone you & your kids know needs your help...

If you ever suspect anyone may need your help, speak up! Don't turn your back. I remember all those that turned their backs on me. I can't ever forget that. And I hold very close those who did and still do remind me they care...

The statistics for men who are abused are within 10% of women statistics. Educate yourself-hear the messages Amber and myself ( http://www.3sonshavei.com/ ) are telling you this month as our Blogs switch focus to Domestic Violence Awareness Month of October. Learn to see the signs, keep your eyes open to both Men & Women you know. You may get pushed away, you may feel like you are not being listened to, but you are heard! I can tell you from my own experience I heard every kind word, but my walls were built too high. It takes constant reassurance and words from friends to slowly chip the wall away. One day it will come down for them...just make sure it comes down because people cared, not because their life ended!

"It's hard to confront a man who is abusing his wife, but not nearly as hard as being his wife!"

What did you think about the video?

If you would like to Donate to the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign on My Kind Of Introduction, Use the button below! All collections will be used to benefit Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated!

Helpmate - Domestic Violence Help Center & Shelter in Asheville, NC

During the month of October, I've chosen a local Domestic Violence Help Center and Shelter to collect donations for, Helpmate is located in Asheville, NC and help many women and children into a safer enviorment as well as helping them with every day needs that many of us may take advange of. I've posted the contact informtion for Helpmate below as well as their donations Wish List. I'll be collecting these items throughout the month of October and if you would like to help out in any way, email me at AutoFaerie@gmail.com

Domestic Violence Help Center & Shelter

Located in Asheville, NC

828-254-0516

www.helpmateonline.org

Wish List

ONGOING CLIENT AND SHELTER NEEDS:

• Spiral notebooks 
• Pocket size Kleenex 
• Pocket size hand sanitizers 
• Wax ear plugs 
• Tampons 
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste 
• Deodorant 
• Toilet paper and paper towels (continuous need)
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Forks and spoons 
• T-shirts and pants (all sizes for women) 
• Bath towels
• Bath soap and bodywash
• CD/radio/tape player combo
• Laundry Detergent (High Efficiency only - available in most major brands)
• Baby wipes, baby powder and diaper rash ointment 
• Diapers Sizes 3,4,5,6
• Baby wash and baby shampoo 
• Potty training toilets 
• Garbage Bags
• Stainless steel pots, pans and skillets for the shelter
• Dishwasher Detergent
• Women's new underwear (sizes 5,6,7,8,9)
• School age girl's clothes - pants and tops
• Children's new underwear of all sizes
• Table lamps (appropriate for bedrooms)
• Sleep Wear - flannel pajama bottoms/boxers, oversized t-shirts, sweat pants
• Women's Sweatpants/Sweatshirts (Sizes 6-3x/new and gently used)
• Women's socks (new)
• Crocs and similar shoes (all sizes, gently used and new)
• Gift Cards for Clients (to Target, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Ingles, Old Navy, etc.)
• Portable fans
• Shelf stable food items
• Kitchen staples (coffee, coffee creamer, cooking oil, sugar, aluminum foil etc.)
• Alarm Clocks
• Combination Locks
• Brooms and Mops
• Emergency assistance for heating and other home bills
• Date/appointment books

For more information about donations:

Please contact Ann Flynn, Development Director

at 254-2968 Ext. 11

I'm also collecting Children's Books and School Supplies as well as the items above to donate to Helpmate at the end of October.

If you happen to be interested in Donate to the Domestic Violence Awareness Event on My Kind Of Introduction, Use the button below for monetary donations or Contact me at AutoFaerie@gmail.com for more information about Donations, Becoming a Sponsor, etc. All donations collected will go toward Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated! I will continue to spread awareness throughout the entire month of October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month!