We’ve been preparing for the today for months. Actually, 40 years is probably more accurate. And finally, it is finished.
After abandoning my mother six years ago and leaving her financially destitute, bruised, and broken, my father finally decided to file for divorce last year. Once it was made clear my parents were headed to trial, I was asked if I would be willing to testify against my father.
After growing up with domestic violence from my father which included sexual, emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual abuse, and after watching my mother experience the same violence for 35 years, I was more than ready to take the witness stand for the second time in my life and tell my story.
I sent in my documentation. I told about the molestation. I told of the day I was thrown into my bathroom wall. I told of the abuse I witnessed my mother endure each day. I did not hold anything back.
After months of preparation and a rehearsal with my mother’s attorney, we all went to bed last night eager and very ready for the battle to begin.
The day did not end as anyone expected. After several grueling hours a settlement was made. I did not officially take the stand, however, the judge was made aware of my intended testimony and my mother’s intended testimony at the start of the day, and he immediately made it clear what his finale ruling would be if the trial were to continue and then asked for the parties to instead consider settling with terms similar to the suggested ruling.
Everyone is exhausted after a whirlwind day, but relieved it is at last over. While I may not have given formal testimony, I did still take my stand of truth for a person I dearly love and I believe my intended testimony served its purpose.
At last I got to watch a bit of justice served for my mother. Justice I’ve waited for for most of my life.
And so now, let the healing begin. ?
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