The door slammed. The voice in virulent vitriol faded as he stepped into his future.
The months of argument and violence were now behind him. His departure was not a smooth take off, not a calm embarking but rather a departure of violent aggression as his intentions were mad clear.
In the previous months even years things had come to a head. The violent outburst had come more often, the children cringing in bedrooms was apparent and his need to bring it all to an end as peacefully as he could for fear of more extreme outcomes being realised.
The attraction they both felt in the early years had long faded. Now there was a combative interaction each evening. Usually they fought over money and his poor showing as a husband and provider.
He had been away on the weekend with one of the boys at a sporting event. On the way home he decided he would drop his son off and then leave.
He knew he could go to his sisters and it was there he made his stand. He called his older children and told them he was leaving their mother. They agreed it was a good thing and why hadn’t he done it earlier.
Over the next few days he told all his children and arranged a place to live.
It was to be a rocky passage for him. Departing was one thing surviving the rocky choppy seas that were before him would be another.
There would be days when the sailing would be almost life threatening, when after the tears of his younger children settled the access to them would be barred on every occasion.
Trying to be the father he knew he was he tried to see his kids, invited them for dinner and organised weekend outings.
Initially the young ones were happy to spend time with him but when it became apparent to them that such outings were to be met with their mother’s vitriol they re-thought that idea.
It became impossible for them to spend time with him as their mother would subject them to a third degree interrogation about the evening and about what was said.
But every journey has its moments and he persevered never losing sight of who he was and how much they needed him.
There were days when his journey was like striding against the strongest tide, when nothing seemed to go his way. But he never lost sight of his goal. A life of freedom, a life for himself and a life where his children knew they could rely on him.
It took him a lot of years from his moment of departure to feel he was at peace with his past. He knew you didn’t forget but you didn’t let it run your life.
In time, with his departure, still fresh in his mind he grew into the man he was. A man whose biggest and best decision was to depart a life that would have killed him by now.
He settled down at his back fence and looked at what he called his ‘ocean’ view and was pleased he departed when he did.
Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2016/04/14/tale-weaver-61-departure/
Morpethroad 
This story is so heartfelt.
Thank you Kim.
Loved the story. I would like to have that kind of ocean view as well 😊👍
Thank you for your lovely comment. It’s some view isn’t it.
A good departure – hope the children survived their mother’s bitterness. A well deserved view from your backyard.
Thank you Debi….the children have done very well.
Making life changing decisions are often very hard but hopefully, they will be worth it. Very heart touching story, Michael.
Thank you Joy very difficult for a time but worth it long term.
It takes strength to leave the familiar for the unknown. I’m glad that it worked out for you and that your children understood.
Thank you so much, I have been lucky…
very inspiring. heartfelt and true. raw and beautiful and sad. Thank you.
Thank you I appreciate your comment.
A very heartfelt story and beautifully written. Reinforcement from a parent is very vital and he has acted in a very responsible and loving way dealing with the situation.
Thank you so much Jessie your comment is very reassuring…..hope you have a good day…
Fascinating story of heartfelt change and growth for the father and his children. He puts such a great effort into being a part of his kids lives, knowing he is better off and they are better off, when he is not with their mother. I feel bad for the little ones interrogated by their mother. Great write Michael. Very well done.
Thanks Mandi my children are much older now and we do talk about those days…..all behind us so to speak….
Oh wow. I didn’t realize this was autobiographical. Good for you for doing the right thing Michael. Thanks for sharing something difficult.
Thanks Mandi…..appreciate your support
There are “moments of truth” when despite the overwhelming odds, the heart-break, and the overwhelming odds, that one realizes that even as it will be difficult, stormy and challenging beyond any imaginings, that one has to hold strong to the inner beauty and truth of who one is. And in this case, your case, weighing the odds of what’s best for the children and you, could not have been easy. But you held strong and fast to your knowing, your intuition and understanding, that ultimately, with faith, hope and resilience, things would be better. And I’m so glad it has turned out very well for you and your children Michael.
Great story, despite the sadness that underlies the personal circumstances, but it’s also important to know and appreciate, that not all abusive situations involve the women as victims. Psychological abuse can be equally devastating in effect, and I’m glad that you have come so far in your own story, to be able to share openly.
Too often parents stay together for the sake of the children. Others just leave knowing that survival has to be the first objective. Sometimes children leave parents for the same reason.
To survive without the negative forces forced down their throats. To all those who survive – kudos!
May their lives continue to be rewarded with both inner and outer peace.
Thank you Jules and we are all working on our inner and outer peace.