16 Comments
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Victoria's avatar

First, HUGS. Your words echoed over the last couple of days, Serena. I saw a couple of friends ground down in relationships; their beautiful sparks dampened, and their light diminished, enthralled by a guy. Thank you for sharing your experiences. You deserve more. Sitting alongside you. xo

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words Victoria. I know that many others have had it worse. I feel fortunate that I got out of my relationship when I did. He finally did leave when I started to stand up for myself. The timing was awful, and it didn’t go smoothly, but it’s behind me and things are better now. I had a lot to work through and of course the writing helped.

I appreciate your kindness. Thank you for reading.

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Victoria's avatar

The timing...ugghhh, I can't imagine. Sitting alongside, side hugs!

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Serena Camacho's avatar

❤️

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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

Serena, your essay is incredibly powerful and deeply moving. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with such honesty.

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you for the kind words Tinashe. Writing about this experience has been therapeutic. I’ve been nervous about publishing it but I think it’s important to do so. When I read about others’ experiences it’s always with appreciation that they’ve shared and it gives me courage to share as well. Thank you so much for reading it.

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Sarah Millington's avatar

Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure it will give many others hope x

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you so much Sarah. I certainly hope it does!

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Don Boivin's avatar

Serena, of course I don’t mind you sharing the Thich Nhat Hanh quote. I’m glad you did!

And I’m so sorry that you went through this. I’ve been reading Ros’s series of essays as well.

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you Don! Great quotes are meant for sharing. Yes, Ros’s essays are powerful and heartbreaking and are inspiring many conversations about partner abuse. Hers was the kick in the pants I needed to share my story.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

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Ros Barber's avatar

I’m so glad you woke up to your mistreatment, Serena. You deserve better.

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you! I am too. We all deserve better. I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment.

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Christine Dietz's avatar

Wow, what a powerful and moving read. It's heartbreaking you had to go through this, I am so sorry, Serena. Thank you for sharing your journey so honestly. Your light shines through.

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you for your kind words Christine. It means so much. I am in a much better place now, thankfully, and I learned a lot about myself during that time and in the aftermath, and even more while writing about it. Who knows — there may be someone out there who needed to read it.

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Jacque Stonehocker's avatar

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. The best thing I ever did for myself was leave an abuser behind. My life opened up in joyful, adventurous, exciting ways after that. I became free to live the life I love and that was meant for me all along. I was free to become me. Wishing you all the best!

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Serena Camacho's avatar

Thank you for saying so. You are absolutely right about leaving, and I’m so glad you did too. At the time, it was hard not to question myself and I think that was the thing that lingered the most.

Thank you so much for reading and for the kind words.

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