When I think back to the dread that filled my days for one reason or another, I wondered why I stayed so long. I think part of what enabled me to finally leave was fully admitting to myself that I was uncomfortable in my own home and dreaded coming home from work. It opened my eyes to what I was allowing to be acceptable, what I was allowing my son's life to be like, to the fact that I was living a life I found unacceptable and had always told myself I would not live (from growing up in an alcoholic household). Those realizations let me take action finally.
I thank God every day for the peace and joy and growth I have found over the past year+.