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Monday, August 3, 2009

Back to Education on DV

time yourself in reading this powerful poem by this special woman.....

I Got Flowers Today
I got flowers today.
It wasn't my birthday or any other special day.
We had our first argument last night,
And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me.
I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said.
Because he sent me flowers today.


I got flowers today.
It wasn't our anniversary any other special day.
Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn't believe it was real.
I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.
I know he must be sorry.
Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today,
and it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day.
Last night, he beat me up again.
And it was much worse than all the other times.
If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of my kids?
What about money?
I'm afraid of him and scared to leave.
But I know he must be sorry.
Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night, he finally killed me.
He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him,
I would not have gotten flowers...today.


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How long did it take you to read the poem?

Please divide the number of seconds it took you to read the poem by 15, then round it up to the next whole number.

Your answer represents the number of women that were abused during the time it took you to read this poem—and—one did not survive.

Help us eradicate the heinous crime of Domestic Violence. Your actions could be the difference that makes the difference.

Please, do something


from the LAPS website... a poem from Paulette Kelley. Contact this site for more assistance with your situation, or perhaps your friend's. You may save a life.
http://www.nineandahalfcouples.com/MADV2no.html

6 comments:

  1. My sister left her husband. But her followed her and killed her. She left behind 6 children. He is in prison for 2nd degree murder. He should have been put away long before that for the years of abuse she endured. She would be alive now if the law against domestic abuse had been enforced.
    BTW, the knife he used was the one the police gave back to him after he slashed her tires.

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  2. I think that is horrid! those poor kids and yalls family .. the worst is the abasolute cavalier attitude many officers/depts have had towards DV. they dont seem to understand or want to understand it. "why did you let him hit you?" is always a favorite I ve heard.

    The most dangerous time is after a woman leaves. I stayed even after he pulled weapons or beat me unconcsious. First out of "love" then out of fear. I always got roses.

    I cant bear to get flowers now. But I buy them for myself, to give myself power again.

    I shall pray for the evil to recede a little. It never really does though does it?

    Second degree murder? Disgusting.

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  3. It has been 9 years now. I still think there had to have been a way to hide her or keep her safe. If the police had just taken it more seriously. And while I am not a vindictive person, I wish he had gotten the death penalty. It would have made it easier for me and her children. I worry that someday he will get out.

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  4. The life long effects from those cretins actions ripples on forever it seems. I hope you take up the unenviable task of going to the parole hearings. I know that is very traumatisizing, but ppl do it for their loved ones.

    I shut down my feelings, dissasociated for so long that I forgot how to feel love or friendship or joy. I still prefer keeping ppl at a distance in most areas of my life. Except my daughter, but even then I sheild her of my past.

    My hear t goes out to your sisters family and to you for being strong enough to speak up for her.

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  5. This made me cry. I have friends who were abused and were able to get away. I thank God every day that they are still here and not receiving flowers.

    Bless you for keeping up the fight.

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  6. it is a sobering thought, that some make it and others don't. I felt guilty ( still do at times) that I didnt fight him in court or press charges. But then, I remember what it was like in the 80's. DV wasnt recognised by the courts or cops really. It was just a hassle to go to the call, tell us to keep it down cus the neighbors had called. And left me there with him.

    I feel for people like Peld. family, those kids.

    ReplyDelete