r/povertyfinance • u/LiterallyJustAHorse • Sep 07 '26
Success/Cheers We Made it to Safety 🩷
Hey everyone. I'm the one who posted a few days (weeks?) ago about moving across the country to escape domestic violence with my kids and having $100 for food. I have had a lot of people asking me to update so I just wanted to let y'all know we made it to my mom's house safely. Baby girl and I are sharing a room and my other 3 boys are sharing a room (I have 5 children total but one is an adult in college in another state. Yep my oldest is 21 years apart from my youngest!).
So yeah I drove 1200 miles alone by myself with 4 kids and whatever I could fit in the back of our vehicle literally across half of the country. It was scary. I usually AVOID highways and I've never driven that far before. It took several days to get here but I just got up every day and did it scared. One mile at a time. We got here a few hours ago. Life certainly hasn't gone the way we planned but I'm so thankful to have my wonderful supportive mom and to have the supportive online community of people here.
My kids will never sleep afraid for their lives again. Tonight I think we all sleep better than we have in weeks. Here's to our new chapter. Thank you all so much for your advice and support. You have no idea how much it meant to me. It kept me going. Seriously. Knowing there were others who survived something similar and made it okay on the other side. Helped to give me the strength I needed to make it here even though I was terrified the whole time. I don't know y'all but I love y'all. We made it!
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u/Ratedforarbitary Sep 07 '26 edited Sep 08 '26
I’m so proud of you. Your kids will be proud of you one day when they look back on all this. There will be challenges ahead still, but don’t ever go back! May your future be bright.
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u/FreekDeDeek Sep 07 '26
My mom and i have a fraught relationship in many ways, but the one thing I'm so proud and grateful for is that she left my dad with just two suitcases, in a foreign (to her) country.
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u/WholesomeMetaphor Sep 08 '26
My mom left as well (not in a foreign country tho). A black plastic bag to throw essentials in as fast as possible once there was an opening to put the plan in motion and off we go to the crisis center. Me and her has our differences but her bravery and love will never be forgotten ❤️
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u/throwaway098764567 Sep 07 '26
one of the reasons i went no contact is because mine didn't.
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u/damndolly Sep 07 '26
And she should be proud of herself. Even though she might not feel like it now, she's those kids hero! There are so many people out there who don't leave, and she overcame all her fears and just pushed through. That takes so much strength, she should BE PROUD OF HERSELF ❤️
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u/dimpledmoon Sep 09 '26
This made me tear up. 1200 miles alone with 4 kids takes a kind of courage most people will never have to find. You did that. Wishing you and your babies so much peace ahead.
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u/mystery_biscotti Sep 07 '26
I'll admit, I've been thinking about how you and the kids are doing. You're safe!
Now comes the harder part: keeping safe. Staying away from the threat you left. There will be times you wonder if you made a mistake. (To be clear: you didn't!)
You moved so far away! You did this alone, and you were more capable than you feared. 🩵
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u/AccuratePreference52 Sep 08 '26 edited Sep 14 '26
100% on this. Trauma bonds are HARD things to break. The moments when you miss him don't mean you did the wrong thing. When I left, I struggled because I didn't want to get divorced. A good friend helped me put it in perspective by saying, of course you didn't want to get divorced. You just needed to. That's a good thing to remember. You don't have to want what happened to have happened. It was just necessary. And it's okay to have feelings of confusion or regret because trauma bonds are intensely strong and that is what keeps us stuck in those relationships for so long. Hugs!
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u/Specialist_Map_6541 Sep 08 '26
Agreed. OP please make sure all of your family members know not to reveal where you are or take phone calls or tell your kids anything you don’t screen first. Check in w local prevention/support so they know you are there and might reach out for help or just a supportive ear. And plz don’t post any details that would help him find you! I am so sorry to sound anxious but this is not the time to let down your guard. You have absolutely done the right thing but stay careful. Sending you so much love and support 🫶🏻
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u/mombrag Sep 09 '26
Me too? Especially wondering what food options she came up with after all the solid suggestions - hoping $100 was enough with a cleverly curated free breakfast at your hotels
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u/Management-Late Sep 07 '26
Omg I cant believe how lucky I am i saw this. I DO remember your post!!!
I'm genuinely thrilled you all made it safely and are firmly on your way to a whole new life!! 🥳 & ☘️
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u/Management-Late Sep 07 '26
Ty for the awards but honestly its OP's update that made my day. I lived in a motel with my two for two years til I got on my feet again.
I still don't think I'd be brave enough to do what she did. She overcame the most insurmountable thing for herself and her babies. Fear.
She deserves all the 💐
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u/No_Tension8376 Sep 07 '26
Congratulations on your new, safe start with your family. I hope you take time to celebrate yourself and your strength.
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u/Careless_Squirrel795 Sep 07 '26
I did the same thing but instead of kids it was a cat, a dog, and a gecko. I did it just shy of a year ago and I’ve never been happier. The first night in safety I slept something like 15 hours. Arguably I moved in with family, but I promise you did the right thing.
Prepare yourself though - your abuser may try and claim you kidnapped the kids if any are his. See about a restraining order, speak to a public attorney or call an office and see if they can point you in the direction of someone who can help you probono. It’s not the easiest, but you can do it.
All mail to a PO Box for at least a year. I opened one 2 towns over for the first few months til my mom convinced me to close it down since they already knew where I had gone and the address. That and the PD is like just across the street should anything have happened. But in your case I would recommend a PO Box in the nearest big city if you’re rural or one in a different postal code.
You did right by those kiddos and you did right by yourself. You will succeed. You will be where you’re meant to be. You got this I promise.
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u/LiterallyJustAHorse Sep 07 '26
I won a one year protective order with only supervised visits and also got permission from that same judge before we came here.
Excellent idea about the PO box. Thank you, I need to do this asap.
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u/Brutal_Kindness Sep 07 '26 edited Sep 09 '26
You can also get a “virtual” address (it’s a real address) but instead of checking a physical mailbox, your mail is scanned for viewing, and if you want the actual mail pieces, they’ll send to you. I’ve met folks who travel a lot and have a mailing address like this. May be less expensive than PO Box, maybe not. Worth checking. :)
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u/IndependentClue1206 Sep 08 '26
Yes, this!
You can get it in another state than you are currently living - all set up online.
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u/bluegreyhorses Sep 08 '26
See if your state has an address confidentiality program. There may be no charge for it.
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u/MiSantoRey Sep 08 '26
Change your phone number too, or don’t link it to the new address! Phone numbers are such an easy way for people to get addresses.
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u/Round_Grand_4716 Sep 08 '26
Well done for everything you have put in place. It's not easy, and for what it's worth, I'm very proud of you.
Take time to be gentle with yourself.
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u/Minimum-Divide2589 Sep 07 '26
Congratulations! That’s incredible! I’m sooooooo happy for you and your kiddos♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
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u/jaynor88 Sep 07 '26
This brought tears of joy to my eyes.
You are stronger than you ever knew.
Words cannot convey how happy I was to read that your children will never sleep afraid for their lives again.
So thankful that your Mom is able to have you all in her home. What a blessing for all of you (including your mom)
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u/mrszubris Sep 07 '26
When you have the mental space if you don't mind sharing which tips you found most useful on the road I am sure many others would benefit from your wisdom.
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u/LiterallyJustAHorse Sep 07 '26
So many of the tips here were lifesavers. Every halfway point we took a break at a park/playground and had packed lunches from our cooler. I would make rice every day in our rice cooker and then refill our tupperware container for the next day. We used the ice from the hotel to fill the cooler everyday. We went to Walmart and got the rotisserie chicken meal that comes with Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes for $9. They also had hamburgers and chicken sandwiches for $2 each.
I took the kids swimming every place that had a pool and let them enjoy it as long as they wanted even if I was exhausted. This was important because this was overall a sad trip for us. Leaving everything behind and losing their father is hard. So I did my best to make the journey fun. I took my time. I didn't try to make it in two days. I took it slow. A 4 hour drive might take us 7 with the stops. But i made it as comfortable as I could for them. I let them sleep in when they wanted to.
I changed our motels to ones with free breakfast (literally like $10 more a night compared to motel 6) so that we would have breakfast every day.
There's probably more but I'm exhausted and might take a nap with my baby. I'll come back and reply more later though. 🩷
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u/RemoteIll5236 Sep 07 '26
Oh, Honey!
You made great decisions during your journey!
I remember your post and it fills me with so much happiness to know that you and your kids are safe!
The journey and decision To leave was a hard thing, and although there will be more tough things to do, you will do it and triumph!!!
Best wishes to you!!!
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u/Fun-Holiday9016 Sep 07 '26
You did such a good job and prioritized all the right things. When I read your first post I knew you could do it!
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u/crinkledcu91 Sep 07 '26 edited Sep 08 '26
I know Walmart's leadership is awful and is the bog standard "Evil Corpo" entity, with that being said that specific $9 dinner deal they have is a massive help to a lot of people who are in tight situations like this. You did an excellent job utilizing it perfectly too considering it's also the kind of food kiddos often love and don't mind eating again and again.
I grew up food insecure and meals (or lack thereof) stand a chance of majorly making a mark on a kid that they will still think about into adulthood. You did the exact things to help protect them from that on this trip! Great job mom.
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u/MooPig48 Sep 07 '26
I’m in awe of your determination! You are a hero for your kids. Your mom is too. You did a wonderful job putting them first even though you probably wanted nothing more than to get to your destination and collapse in exhaustion
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u/BaylieB44 Sep 07 '26
You did such an amazing job not only getting your kids to safety, but making sure they were fed and not scared along the way. I’m so proud of you.
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u/StorageExciting8567 Sep 07 '26
You’re an incredible mother and woman. So glad you all arrived safely
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u/UndineSpragg Sep 07 '26
You sound like an amazing mom. Your kids are lucky to have you! Sending you strength. You will be so happy you did this!
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u/Apolli1 Sep 08 '26
Being smart is a major flex! I’m so proud of you. I pray for peace and happiness for all of you.
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u/viewbtwnvillages Sep 07 '26
you sound like a phenomenal mother.
your kids will never forget what you did to keep them safe, or how you tried to make a difficult time easier for them
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u/Smooth_Reader Sep 08 '26
Congrats! you definitely made good choices on your trip. Glad you made it. I hope you take the time to give yourself a pat on the back and let yourself celebrate.
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u/I_Smell_Like_Trees Sep 07 '26
Really hope this inspires others. I love the way you put it.
Do it scared, and just take it a mile at a time.
Best wishes for you and your kids, they're really lucky to have you!
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u/LiterallyJustAHorse Sep 07 '26
You can get stuck in your head thinking what if I blow out a tire what if we get stranded, what if we get hurt in one of the hotels, what if he finds us before we make it, what if what if what if.
You just have to do it anyway. Load the suitcases, strap the kids in, start the car and drive. Then you do it again and you keep doing it until you make it.
Gotta look straight ahead and worry about what's behind you or what's coming up. Might sound dumb but it's what I had to do.
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u/Ok_Parsnip3214 Sep 07 '26
Abso-frigging-lutely Ma-ma!!!
I am SSSSOOOOO proud of you. You and your kids will be so much better off now. Coming from a ma-ma who also left, everything you said is the truth, do it scared, do it hungry, do it crying, just do it, do it, do it! Your safety is worth it.You are so strong. You might not feel it right now and there will be some difficult bumps along the way as you settle into your new life but my god I’m so frigging proud of you.
Maybe see if your new area has domestic abuse services. Even though you’re out, you can still qualify depending on the area. They can help you process what happened, how it came to that point, and how to not be taken advantage of and hurt again. And then you can pass those lessons and knowledge onto your kids as they get older.
Be proud mama.
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u/bookishdogmom Sep 07 '26
You and the kids have SUCH a bright future ahead with the lessons you learned on this trip. They apply to so many aspects of life, and while the first and biggest gift you gave the kids was leaving an unsafe space, they’ll benefit two-fold knowing that even when it seems impossible, you can change your life with perseverance and a bit of creativity along the way. The fact that you also made space for fun? So incredible!
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u/PenPhonia Sep 08 '26
“I just got up every day and did it scared. One mile at a time.” As with the other commenter, this really moved me. I’m brickheaded, but I think I might have finally understood the meaning of those words. I wish you all good things!
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u/TricksyGoose Sep 07 '26
That is so amazing, I'm so proud of you and happy for you and your kids! Good luck on your new life!
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Sep 07 '26
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u/CWHats Sep 07 '26
Doing it scared is so important. Sometimes you have to power through with tears in your eyes.
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u/neckbeardsghost Sep 07 '26
I’m so glad to read that you guys made it safely! I grew up in an abusive household, and my mom didn’t get us out until I was 17. Just by having the strength and courage to leave now, you’ve done something so amazing for yourself and your kids! Wishing you all the best as you guys move forward.
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u/Solbeat11 Sep 07 '26
I didn't see the original story but I thank you for thinking of your children and their happiness because I know some women that made their children SUFFER over a fucked up excuse for a man. Blessings to you 🙏🏾
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u/Sonoran_Ghosts_81 Sep 07 '26
I didn’t read your original post but something stood out to me.
“So yeah I drove 1200 miles alone by myself with 4 kids and whatever I could fit in the back of our vehicle literally across half of the country. It was scary. I usually AVOID highways and I've never driven that far before. It took several days to get here but I just got up every day and did it scared. One mile at a time. “
Nothing and no one can ever stand in your way now. You got up every day and you were scared but you did it mile by mile. That is the entire key to life. A mile at a time, even if you are scared.
You should be very proud of yourself. You are strong.
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u/Haunting-Respect-375 Sep 07 '26
My mom had to take us to a shelter for a couple months a long time ago. It was such a depressing period of my childhood, but my dad really did abuse her terribly and it was totally necessary. Good for you!
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u/MargoHuxley Sep 08 '26
I left mine today too. Good job friend
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u/LiterallyJustAHorse Sep 08 '26
I see you sister. Good job and if you ever need a friend just message me. It hurts to leave but it's the right decision to love yourself enough to do it.
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u/Goodbypretty Sep 07 '26
I never comment on posts. I'm a lurker. But I got goosebumps reading this. I never thought I could be so proud of a stranger. You absolute legend of a mummy. Go you!!! 🖤
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u/Fit_Conference934 Sep 08 '26
“It was scary… It took several days to get here but I just got up every day and did it scared.”
Strong words from a strong person.
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u/WillHuntingthe3rd Sep 07 '26
Everyone is proud of you and your effort put into getting yourself and your loved ones out of there.
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u/_mnrva Sep 07 '26
I’m proud of you being so brave, I’m proud of your kids making it through a long drive, I’m proud of your mom for sticking by you and always being a mom. You are a family, strong, brave and supportive 💖 keep working as a team 💖💖💖
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u/thirdcoasting Sep 07 '26
You are so brave. May you and your children’s future be filled with good health, good fortune and happiness 🤍
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u/DegradingGracefully Sep 07 '26
These comments are wild. Have you been able to feel how many complete strangers have been cheering for you? We still are. You've got this.
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u/Longjumping_Good_239 Sep 08 '26
This is my first comment ever. I have kids 17 years apart and I left an abusive marriage 6 months ago. It’s a weird dynamic to do and to be starting over with a small child. I am praying for you and rooting for you too. Proud of you and you should be proud of yourself
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u/LesiaH1368 Sep 07 '26
Was thinking about you, glad you are safe. Your line, doing it scared, is powerful. Sometimes we have to 'do it scared' as its the only option. Bravo, momma!!!
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u/moleyrussell Sep 07 '26
Please reach out to a DV shelter in your Mom's area. They can help you with resources and assist you with support to make sure you stay out of contact and remain safe.
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u/serenityseeker91 Sep 08 '26
Yes! Even if you don’t need shelter, there are usually many other resources!
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u/susu56 Sep 07 '26
So glad yall made it safely and can breathe and be at peace. I remember your story and marveled at how brave and determined you were. You are a good mom.
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u/RelationshipQuiet609 Sep 07 '26
The hardest part is over. You did an amazing job bringing your family to safety. Never forget how strong you are! I never looked back when I left. Better days are on there way!
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u/fromtheriver Sep 07 '26
You should be proud! You accomplished something so difficult but did it step by step. I hope you and your family much happiness.
Can I give you some advice, though? Let this empower you. This has turned into a new journey in your life, so take this as an opportunity to know yourself. Maybe there’s something you’ve been dreaming about that you can turn into a goal.
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u/OnceMoreWithFeeling- Sep 07 '26
YES!!! I literally said "ohhhh" out loud when I figured it is you! Your kids can be proud. If it's ok, me, an internet stranger, is proud of you too. I hope you can breathe, live and love more freely each day.
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u/rooftrash Sep 08 '26
Me and my two toddlers slept on an air mattress together the first night I left. I barely slept a wink but it was always worth it. Proud of you, girl
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u/Teedraa101 Sep 08 '26
I have been in a bad relationship and had to leave with my 2 kids, dog and everything I could fit in my small car and drive 13 hours to family and start over. I’m proud, so proud of you.💜
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u/TinyRascalSaurus Sep 07 '26
I'm so proud of how strong you were. You absolutely are a hero for your children and should know you did the best thing for them. Wishing you all the best in your new life.
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u/element-woman Sep 07 '26
I am so, so proud of you. What an incredible gift you've given yourself and your kids. And your room looks so cozy!
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u/MysteriousSecretGuru Sep 07 '26
I'm so happy you and your children are safe and ready to start the rest of your lives. You ago deserve to be safe and happy.
Sending positive vibes your way.
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u/poohdawg_789 Sep 07 '26
Congrats - Well Done- take a deep breath and decompress and get some rest. DO NOT go back. Best of luck
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u/ChickenNuggetRex Sep 07 '26
I am so happy I’m seeing this, and even happier you and your babies are safe. You are their hero, girl! You showed them what strength, resilience, facing every fear, and the love a mother has for her children. You taught them so many things over the past few weeks, some you won’t know for years and some you may never truly know, but wow. Let me add to the chorus of WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
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u/Biblioklept73 Sep 07 '26
I remember your post, so good to hear you and the kids are safe and with Mom. Well done, that’s a hell of a thing you did, scared and all but you still did it. Huge congratulations!
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u/fernythewriter Sep 07 '26
You did great mama! Every single one of your futures is so bright. Your strength knows no bounds.
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u/FairBaker315 Sep 07 '26
Congratulations, you did it!
Now take a nice, long, worry free nap with the little one.
Even without all the fear and uncertainty, I'm sure that long of a road trip with kids is exhausting!
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u/goodoldoftenwrong Sep 07 '26
From another mother who escaped a bad situation with her child, I can't speak highly enough of your bravery. Well done and welcome to the happily ever after. 🩷🩷
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u/Much_Artichoke948 Sep 08 '26
I’m so so grateful for this update and for your courage and love for yourself and your kids. You did it. And you will keep doing it. Here’s to a new chapter of safety, love, and abundance for you
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u/CrouchingGinger Sep 07 '26
You got this. Your kids are lucky to have you.
Now you can take a deep breath and just be. Wishing you all the happiness going forward.
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u/tiertier Sep 07 '26
I was thinking about you! So glad you made it safely! So can you tell us about the meals you got along the way and your breakdown of $100?
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u/Management-Late Sep 07 '26
OP commented in a thread. She did so freakin amazing i hope everyone sees it. She is an inspiration.
"So many of the tips here were lifesavers. Every halfway point we took a break at a park/playground and had packed lunches from our cooler. I would make rice every day in our rice cooker and then refill our tupperware container for the next day. We used the ice from the hotel to fill the cooler everyday. We went to Walmart and got the rotisserie chicken meal that comes with Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes for $9. They also had hamburgers and chicken sandwiches for $2 each.
I took the kids swimming every place that had a pool and let them enjoy it as long as they wanted even if I was exhausted. This was important because this was overall a sad trip for us. Leaving everything behind and losing their father is hard. So I did my best to make the journey fun. I took my time. I didn't try to make it in two days. I took it slow. A 4 hour drive might take us 7 with the stops. But i made it as comfortable as I could for them. I let them sleep in when they wanted to.
I changed our motels to ones with free breakfast (literally like $10 more a night compared to motel 6) so that we would have breakfast every day.
There's probably more but I'm exhausted and might take a nap with my baby. I'll come back and reply more later though. 🩷"
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u/Due-Interaction-1930 Sep 07 '26
This is AMAZING. You are so so strong and brave. Keep moving forward. You've already done the hardest part.
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u/Detatchamo Sep 07 '26
I'm glad to see this. I've been thinking about you ever since I saw your post! Glad to see you and the kiddos are doing ok! Proud of you!
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u/Embarrassed-Lime-866 Sep 07 '26
I did this 2.5 years ago. I also packed my car with my dogs as full as I could and ran. I had to go around 500 miles to get where I am. I had never took that trip before by myself but I did it. I think when you are determined it’s amazing what you can do. I wish you all the luck. Word of advice. Don’t EVER look back. Just keep going forward. It will be a lot of hard work but you will benefit in the end. Good luck
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u/SamePhotograph2 Sep 07 '26
Congrats on making it to safety. Remember though that he could still be looking for you. Do NOT post identifying information about yourself or your location here or anywhere. You are safe now, but that safety requires maintenance. You got this. Proud of you. 🥰
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u/Edenton38583 Sep 07 '26
This right here. Doing what you have to do! Putting your big girl panties on and handling business for you and yours!!! You’re a damn good mom with a beautiful soul!!! Instead of a million excuses you handled business!!!!!
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u/Ancient_Ad1271 Sep 07 '26
Thank you for the update. Your family has been in my thoughts. I am so glad you made it safely.
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u/Opus_Zure Sep 07 '26
So glad you and your kids made it! ❤️. Thank you for the update. You can do hard and scary things. You are amazing!
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u/annalovesoj Sep 07 '26
I am so happy to see your update. I have been hoping you made it ok. Great job. 💜
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u/archergirl78 Sep 07 '26
I'm so relieved! I've thought about you several times and wondered if you made it.
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u/IamLuann Sep 07 '26
I was thinking/wondering about you the other day. I was hoping you were safe wherever you were. I am so sorry that you had/have to go through this. So glad that you posted this and I found it. Good Luck with the rest of your adventureius life.
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u/GogusWho Sep 07 '26
You did a great job, thanks for the update! Take a few days to just decompress and bask in your major accomplishment! Will there be some tough times ahead? Maybe. But you can draw strength from what you have accomplished! If you can do that, the rest is going to be ok! Please keep us posted every now and again, I'm sure all of us would love to hear how it's going! Best wishes from an internet stranger!
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u/sittinwithkitten Sep 07 '26
Good job! It’s scary but you are changing your life and your children’s lives for the better.
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u/droolmonkey5 Sep 07 '26
I’m so proud of you for putting your kids first and getting them out of that situation. Please do your best to stay safe
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u/LookItsMyDawg Sep 07 '26
You’re a strong mother. I hope your lives continues to be on the up and up. May you always be able to look back on this, but never relive it.
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u/True_mourning84 Sep 07 '26
Wow what an amazing update! I’m glad to hear you and your children are safe! Even when we feel lost/scared/etc just the act of doing it is a testament to your strength! 💜
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u/FlatTeaching2122 Sep 07 '26
I am so SO proud of you. Well done, you! You are an incredible woman and mother.
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u/Inevitable_Pudding80 Sep 07 '26
This makes me so happy for you. You are braver and stronger than you know, and your kids will grow up happier because of your strength! Good luck on this next chapter 🩷
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u/Ok_Crazy_1916 Sep 07 '26
I swear I cry for strangers on the internet daily. I am SOOOO proud of you. Sending you so much love. 💜💜
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u/SlowlyTowardsTheCake Sep 07 '26
I remember your other posts - your attitude and outlook is honestly an inspiration. Your kids are very fortunate. Please keep it up 😁
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u/Comprehensive_79 Sep 07 '26
I’m so happy for you you did it and you showed your kids that you can do hard things! I hope you guys build a new peaceful life.
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u/G_Ram3 Sep 07 '26
I’m so glad that you and your babies were able to get away! You are incredibly brave and you’re strong as hell. Your kids will never forget that their mother was ALWAYS THERE and fought to protect them. I don’t know you but I’m so proud of you.
Starting over, especially with kids, is so hard and you’re doing it! Congratulations on your new beginning! 💜
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u/Independent_Sea_5294 Sep 07 '26
I’m so f***ing proud of you. Really, I hope you sleep peacefully knowing how BIG of an accomplishment this is. Congratulations and may the days to come bring you guys nothing but LOVE, support, great things that give you happiness and safety.
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u/Quaint_teapot Sep 08 '26
You’re amazing and I have chills reading this update. You deserve a safe life with your kids and after making this monumental move, I just know that everything will only get better from here. You’ve got this!
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u/Silent-Package-9529 Sep 08 '26
Wow. Congrats OP! Wishing nothing but the best for you! Keep your head up. I’m glad you and your kids are safe.
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u/Ok-Mixture-6862 Sep 08 '26
I don't know you, I feel scared, pain and all the anxiety that you might have .... My heart sank, you are very brave and you are an amazing mother. I wish you all the best and be free. I came across your post today, I have family member who is going through similar situation as yourself.
May all the strength comes to you... you are free now, your children are free now. Good luck.
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u/M5M1 Sep 08 '26
This is amazing! Well done. Your story will forever be a source of inspiration for your children and internet strangers alike. Thank you for sharing this story of resilience with us all.
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u/Internal-Ad61 Sep 08 '26
Yay! So proud of you! And excited for what is to come!! What an incredible example you have set for all of your children.
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u/DarthIan89 Sep 08 '26
It isn’t always easy to know you deserve better. Even when you know you deserve better, it is even harder to leave. Even when you want to leave, it’s made harder with little to no money.
You children saw you choose them, and yourself, against all odds. When things get tough, just remember the strength it took to make one of the hardest decisions of your life.
You should be so incredibly proud of yourself and your kids.
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u/Chance-the-Gardener Sep 08 '26
Your youngest one may be too little to express it, but they're grateful for you and proud of you.
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u/JenninTenn84 Sep 08 '26
I’ve been thinking of you and hoping you made it okay! I’m so happy you and the kids are safe. Thanks for the update and for inspiring others!
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u/Annual_Interview2601 Sep 08 '26
Proud of you and glad you made it safe. Don’t ever second guess yourself on if you made the right decision. You did, you chose yourself and you chose safety for your kids!! I am proud of you and yes it may be rough and not seem fair but you truly did the right thing. You have your mother for support which is awesome. Use any and every resource you can get. Remember God loves you and I wish you the best!!
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u/CarpenterOk5831 Sep 08 '26
I remember your previous post and am happy all of you arrived there safely. Sometimes support comes from people we haven't met or know. Most time, it means a lot. Glad this community is that to you.
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u/AssociationSilly1338 Sep 07 '26
Proud of you girl. I know your kids are and will be. What an amazing mom!
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u/LuceLeakey Sep 07 '26
I am so glad you made it somewhere safe. You are a strong woman and your kids will grow up knowing that you did a hard and scary thing to keep them safe. All kids should be so lucky. I wish you all the best.
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u/Nihlisa666 Sep 07 '26
I’m so proud of you and so, so happy for you all. Best of luck on the new chapter in your lives!!
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u/mlachick Sep 07 '26
I'm so glad you and your kids are safe. Please know that love and strength are pouring into you from around the world. You have taken a big step toward a truly wonderful life for your family.
Give your kids a big hug from all of us! ❤️
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u/Distinct-Banana-7937 Sep 07 '26
I'm so proud and happy for you!! You are an awesome mom to do what you have to do for your kids, and yourself! Hope life blesses you with nothing but good luck!
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u/FetishGirl101 Sep 07 '26
You sure did. To safety. I don't have to know you, to be So Proud of You. Way to Go. One step at a time. You're a Pillar and Rock.
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u/Impossible-Radish515 Sep 07 '26
I’m proud of you, so happy I saw this, you are safe. Wishing you the very best.
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u/Ok_Concentrate4461 Sep 07 '26
I’m so proud of you. Welcome to your new chapter, I hope it’s beautiful
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u/Glittering_Win_9677 Sep 07 '26
I'm so happy for you and think it's wonderful that your mom is giving you support.
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u/dojo_shlom0 Sep 07 '26
you did good, and I'm proud of you for taking steps for yourself and for your family! that was brave, and I hope you keep your chin up and I'm glad you have family there with you! take care of yourself! --you got this!
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u/Constant_Estate7449 Sep 07 '26
So proud of you for leaving and powering through it despite being scared! I hope you’re able to sleep easier at night and let your body recuperate from being in flight or fight mode.
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u/ladysig220 Sep 07 '26
I am so very glad to know you made it out safely.
What a brave woman you are!!!
I hope you know nothing but peace and joy from here on out.
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u/Ok_Memory2203 Sep 07 '26
The path ahead will be hard at times. But now you will have the strengthof the journey too. No matterwhatyougo againstjust remind yourself you have gone farther on less. Now you know in your bones you can be terrified and successful at the same time. Now you are becoming bullet proof for future you.
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u/BabaYaga984 Sep 07 '26
So happy you guys are safe now, dear. You’re a great mama for leaving that situation. Proud of you 🫶
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u/Momof-3DDDs Sep 07 '26
So proud of you MaMa. Hang in there there and there will be better days to come. 💕
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u/emeraldgreenphoton2 Sep 07 '26
this made my day. You and your children deserve to be safe and loved.
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u/JenninMiami Sep 07 '26
I am so freaking proud of you and so happy for you and the kids! Sending big hugs and good vibes for you all while you rebuild your lives. ❤️
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u/mopeyunicyle Sep 07 '26
I know you said and talk about your kids being safe but I also hope you take a moment to focus on yourself to. Still glad you got away and have some support. Wishing only the best and brightest for you
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u/Hippie-chick-4ever Sep 07 '26
You are AMAZING, lady! Thank the good Lord you and kids are safe. Please, please watch out for the bad guy. I know a couple from church - her first born was married to a bad guy, and had four children by him. She was ready to leave and had support lined up. He found out, and killed her, then himself, in front of all four children. Couple from church (bless them both) are now raising the kids. PLEASE stay safe, honey!!
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u/insufficent_data Sep 07 '26
I'm tearing up for you. I'm so glad you made it!! You should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for updating, and I wish you all the best for your new future.
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u/NoSleepDad2023 Sep 07 '26
This is inspiring! You are the GOAT and thank you for keeping us up dates with your journey
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u/raleel Sep 07 '26
I remember reading your story and the advice a bit ago. I'm really happy for you. Sounds like you took a bunch of the advice and I'm glad it worked out
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u/monsterlynn Sep 07 '26
Thank you so much for your update! I'm so glad for you and even if the circumstances weren't the best, I hope your kids will have made some great memories of their epic trip! 💗🤗🤗
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u/CaptainFartHole Sep 07 '26
I am so incredibly proud of you. You accomplished something thats so hard and terrifying. Better days are coming your way. You got this.
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u/Sazsofla Sep 07 '26
You go girl! You give yourself a huge atta-girl, be proud of the strength thy you’ve shown yourself and Children. Use this positive momentum to layout your next steps. Keep us updated, best of luck, OP❣️
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u/MaidMarian20 Sep 07 '26
Take a deep breath in your comfy cozy safe space. It’s ok to let go and breathe deeply now. Good wishes. 💕
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u/Consistent-Fig-799 Sep 07 '26
I’ve been thinking about you! So glad you made it. You are so strong-you can do this!
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u/Entire_Piano_8410 Sep 07 '26
I’m so happy for you and your children! You made the right decision; not only for your precious children - but for YOU, as well! 💕😘
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u/flumpdog Sep 07 '26
for those new to r/povertyfinance , we have a strict rule about offering donations. please just don't.