I even have to welcome his ladyfriend

I was 21 when I fell in love for the first time

It took me almost seven years before my parents accepted I was in love

I waited seven years for that day

That dream was finally coming true

The 27th of April 1996, was my wedding day

February 1989, we were prisoners in our own home with no food, no water, living in fear and danger. No one could reach us, but we had to manage. On the first relatively calm day, my cousin, who was in the Army, came with an uncle to save us from Hell. The army helped them reach us. They came to force us to leave, to save our lives. We packed a few things, and were sent to the village where my father was born and brought up. Just before leaving, my uncle who was still trying to convince my parents to accompany us, told us a very sad story:
Two brothers from that same village, both in the army, got killed at exactly the same time in two different places. I was shocked by this news. However, something else in his report caught my attention: he added that their younger brother aged just 19, saw his older brother, his idol, dying in front of him. He was unable to help. They said he was in a very bad state of mind, banging his head on the walls, unable to cry or talk or live. Without even knowing this guy's name, I fell in love with him, and knew he would become my future husband.
At this time, I was severely depressed and meeting this young man became my purpose, my reason to live. I knew I would be able to help him. The voice I heard telling me that THIS was HIM was so clear.
A few minutes earlier, I had been begging my parents not to send me to the village, and suddenly I was enthusiastic, I needed to go. After less than two weeks there, we met. He very quickly became friends with my cousin and my two sisters, and I was only watching them and trying to help discretely. They all became close friends, never including me in their activities, until the day he came to me and said:" You are hiding a lot of pain, if you need to talk, please don't hesitate to tell me".
That was for me more than enough, and my love story began. It wasn't an easy one, not at all, but it was what I needed at that time in my life.

Seven years later, we got married,

First year of marriage, I was trying hard to adapt to my new life, having a difficult pregnancy

Second year of marriage, I was trying to cope with life and my different roles of wife, mother, employee, but most of all hostess. We received guests, his guests, every single night. I was exhausted

Third year of marriage, I had my second pregnancy. My days started at 4:30 am, and ended at 1:30 am, until one day at 23 weeks of pregnancy, his anger made me about to lose my son, and I had to stay in bed, no movement until delivery day.

Fourth year of marriage, money issues started to rise, creating problems with my family: he forced me to accuse my father of stealing our money.

Fifth year, third pregnancy, mother’s sickness, sisters abroad, a premature girl, and an even more demanding husband.

Sixth year of marriage, I lost my Mum, the only one who knew how to deal with him, my only support with him

Seventh year, I thought I had reached Hell,  but I couldn't envisage what still lay ahead

Eight year of marriage on my wedding anniversary, I had my first “public gift” a huge humiliation in public, something I can’t bring myself to describe even years later.

Nine years after marriage, home became more like Hell

Ten, eleven………..sixteen years, things are still getting worse year after year

We met 23 years ago and have been married for 16 years. I made a choice, and I don't regret it.

My wedding day was a very happy day in my life. That is how it will always be. The events that came after that day, won't ruin the beautiful memory :)