Hello everyone. Thank you for the birthday wishes and yes, it was a wonderful day. Ate waaaaaaay too much cake...or is that possible?

Debshines...thank you for you precious sweet words. I'm glad that my strength out of darkness came through. I also am hoping that by sharing my story that someone who may remain silent may have found some hope in their darkest hour. Never give up hope...ever. My life gets better and brighter every day and when I think it could not get better, God proves me wrong.
I love you guys.

Hey Dotsie,
I'm a little late getting back to your response but I had a really great birthday. My husband of 2 years (almost), bless him, blew it last year in the birthday department. Seems his family just doesn't celebrate anything much so I'm having to train my husband how to celebrate my birthday wishes. Easy...I just tell him what I'd like. 1. Card. 2. Gift (has to be something he comes up with). 3. Flowers (either given to me in person by himself or delivered). Sooooooooooooo, on my b-day morning he went even further (bless him). He brought me coffee in bed, brought me my card, gave me a beautiful watch which he'd wrapped himself in funny paper from the newspaper AND lo and behold about 2:30 in the afternoon the florist called to tell me he was lost and how did I get to my house? I acted surprised when he drove up and was really excited to see my favorite color flowers...THIS year my husband learned two things about his new wife. Listening pays off...and birthdays are important...(he's still smiling from my birthday...wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
It's a wonderful time to be alive...I'm glad I didn't miss it.

Oh yes, Dee, some husbands can be trained. Isn't it rewarding when they listen and actually do what you say? HAH!
You not only look like a happy birthday gal, you're a pretty one too.

Good for you Dee, it sounds like you've found one of the good guys....

WOW! Your story is an inspiration, Dee!
It's so nice that your husband took your advice and made your birthday a memorable time for both of you...

He's my hero...my soul-mate...yeah, I got one of the good ones. Hannelore, thanks for the compliment...you're sweet.

Dee, I am in total agreement that you have to tell some men what you wnat.

I have a friend whose husband would ask her what she wanted for her birthday. She'd tell him, "ah nothing." Then when she got next to nothing, she was disappointed. I say, tell them what you want. That's simply using good communication skills.

Glad it was a happy one.

It gets even better!!! Last Monday night my husband was in our bedroom, which is at the back of the house. I was in the kitchen making dinner. I heard our television come on in the living room (no one was in there) but it made me think what the heck...I slowly walked to the french doors and sitting on the sofa was a man...when I realized who it was I could not comprehend it...I looked a little to the left and saw another man sitting on the sofa. Again, I was in shock. My two sons had snuck in from out of town with the help of my husband. Ray flew from Wichita Kansas to Jacksonville FL to meet up with his brother, they inturn drove to Satsuma to see me, all in secret and in kahoots with my husband. I was so shocked and surprised and it's been the most fun time of all. These two boys of mind have been so much fun since they've arrived and we've had a huge thanksgiving dinner involving my husbands kids and mother. We also found out we're going to be grandparents for the 2nd time now. How awesome is this? It's been a wonderful time and I have my boys here until Saturday. Too soon their time will be over, but we're enjoying it while we can. Gosh, my life is the best. I'm sooooooooo blessed.

Wow, what a surprise! Was the turkey big enough? You know one of the best things about being blessed is knowing you are blessed and enjoying every minute of it.

Happy Thanksgiving Dee,

I just now read your story and the tears are flowing. I join the others in thanksgiving to God that you didn't take the step.

I was so awed by the power of Motherhood for you. When all seemed too much for you it was your calling as a Mother that saved you. You are strong and I am so glad your boys still have you there!

God bless you and your new husband and your sons!
Donna