From Surviving to Thriving: A Mother’s Plea for Freedom

Story

Hello friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers. I’m reaching out during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. I’ve been trapped in a narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationship for years, and I need help to finally leave. I’ve wanted out for a long time, but financial dependence, confusion, and fear have kept me stuck. After just having a second child in this dynamic, I vowed that enough is enough. I, and my 2 young children must break free. Living with my partner has taken a severe toll on my nervous system, self-esteem, and sense of safety. I’ve been isolated from my support system, gaslighted, belittled, and emotionally manipulated for years. I stayed for my son, believing that having both parents at home was best for him. I hoped things would improve, but they never did, and now I see how damaging this environment has been for my son. During my recent pregnancy, things escalated. I was verbally and emotionally abused throughout, pleading for peace as high stress levels would hurt the baby. He couldn't care less. While 7 months pregnant I experienced his extreme rage when my son, my mom, and I were woken up out of bed and thrown out of our home on a moment's notice. I had my wallet and passport hidden from me. During labor, his energy felt so unsafe that our midwife left mid-delivery and called the police. I had to convince the EMTs that I was "okay" as I mustered the energy to talk in between contractions. These examples, along with hundreds of other times I have been manipulated and controlled, gaslighted, embarrassed, and at the whim of his erratic mood swings, makes me know without a doubt, that this is not a safe environment for me or my children, and we need out! Despite years of trying everything (therapy, communication tools, even moving to “paradise” to ease stress) nothing changed. I now understand that my partner is a narcissist, and that no amount of love, patience, or effort will shift this dynamic. He doesn’t believe there’s anything wrong, and thinks all of his actions are perfectly acceptable. The tools we tried and help we sought were just his ways to appease me, not real steps toward change. So why am I sharing this on a GoFundMe? I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for years, giving everything to my family, and now I have no savings, no place to go, and no income to make this leap on my own. I’ve been told I’m entitled to child support, but my partner has threatened to give me nothing if I leave- another scare tactic to keep me trapped. He’s not afraid of the law and I know he’ll fight me every step of the way. I just turned 40, and my birthday wish and promise to myself is to make this the year I leave, the year I regain financial independence and a regulated nervous system. I am excited to create a peaceful, healthy environment for me and my kids. I can’t do it alone, I physically and financially cannot make this leap without your help. I need my village, and YOU are my village. What Your Support Will Help Cover: * A safe place for me and my two kids to land * Legal fees for separation and custody * Childcare so I can find work and build financial stability * Therapy and healing support for me and my children Even just a small contribution means the world. If you’ve ever cared about me, believed in me, or wanted to help—this is the moment I need you most. Please donate what you can and share with others who may be able to help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With your contribution, I will create a loving, stable, and safe home where my children and I can stop walking on eggshells and finally breathe freely. We're ready to stop surviving and start thriving! With love and deep gratitude, Jessica & family