Sauced and surrounded garners a bus

Elizabeth woke up at 6:00 a.m. like most mornings; however, this one was slightly different.

She was covered in tomato sauce with chunks of quarter-sized Roma tomatoes.

She screamed at the top of her lungs, and her children came rushing in to find a "red-saucy mom."

Kylie, 10, and Tyler, 7, knew it was not blood, they saw the copious cans of sauce lying around the

room and all over the bed.

They asked their mother if she was playing a joke on them or if Halloween came earlier this year. The

 answer was a like drawn out no, almost question-like to both.

Elizabeth knew the night before didn't go so well. After all, her husband checked the mail, as he does

 every day. This time, he had a hard-pressed letter for a grand amount from the IRS, and it was

coupled by a mass of other debt obligations.

The debt wore on Adam, which, he had never spoken of, ever. He panicked and went "tomato sauce"

wild thinking it would freak her out and get her attention-that is what he was going for.

She was always on task with chores at dawn and waking the children in the morning for school. She

also was the PTA queen, a shopping guru and loved to give to charity, a bit much.

Every morning, Elizabeth refreshed the house with opening windows and lighting candles; big

chunky ones that filled the house with an aroma of cookies and cream, pumpkin, and ocean breeze.

She'd then make and leave flower arrangement throughout the house, welcoming for all.

After all, she's been married for eight years; it's been a diamond of marriage, everyone thought.

Her guy, sweet to the "T" like a tall pitcher on a summer day with a southern accent. Yet, he's a bit

different around everyone else. More like a stout black acidy coffee, just depends on what day of the

 week he grumbles like a garbage disposal or quacks like a duck when he doesn't get his way.

Concerned with drenched pajamas, bedding, ruined bedroom carpet, and the kid's expression,

Elizabeth knew a talk was about to commence, or she and the kids were skipping town on a bus

further than across town.

She asked herself questions, and did a rational role playing number with a neighbor after she

showered and had not one clue of what to do except run!

Although Elizabeth and Adam demonstrated they had a quality relationship and their children were

excellent students, everything appeared, alright.

She didn't bother calling him at work, she knew she had to do something and fast.

She never dealt with domestic violence and didn't know anyone who had either. She remembers

seeing a few billboards to express if one ever needed, the assistance they could call the hotline. Oh,

but she wasn't a "needy" one and discovered a few grey areas calling for change.

Both Elizabeth and Adam required change. She didn't stick around and knew she wasn't getting

"sauced" again.

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Domestic violence is serious business. If you, or someone you know is being treated poorly, call the police immediately and make a report so you can have it on file. This is a valuable document for the court of law.

Look for high ground, another atmosphere, better living conditions- you are worthy of so much. I had a terrible time as a former recipient of domestic violence and I am so glad I don't ever have to deal with it ever again.

Say your prayers and listen to your gut (Jesus).

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."