I married my high school sweetheart. We had dated since I was 15. I gave birth to two beautiful children and raised them while I cleaned the house and cooked his meals. He would get out of the shower to a hot towel straight out of the dryer. He was abusive, but we went to counseling and things got better. I stayed thru everything. Then one day he woke up, said that he was just "unhappy," and left me. He quit his job as a CNA and started selling drugs. I, however, struggled through a few jobs until I finally realized it was time for me to go back to school. I had passed up the chance for an education to have children.

He is now in prison serving 2 years for transportation of drugs and I am enrolled in school. I am going to be a nurse and I am enjoying my children and my freedom. I am the ultimate starter wife, because while the girlfried that he had while he was making mega bucks selling illegal drugs drove a Cadillac and an Audi, I drove a Buick. She got all the best and all I got was the leftovers when we were together. I survived him and now I am making a life for myself.

-- Rebecca L