I feel mixed emotions reading this piece--angry, sad, fearful and happy.

Angry and sad that this happened to you (and many women). Your ex and everyone who witnessed it failed you. You blamed and shamed yourself for decades. Such incidents changed us while the perpetrators could just go on with their lives and maybe even make it to the Supreme Court. Perhaps they even go through their lives with their version of alternative facts to protect themselves from shame -if they are capable for feeling it.

Also, I feel fearful for my girls... Knowing what I know, how can I ever protect them or even warn them? How can I even teach them to keep themselves safe without making them fearful?

I am happy for you that you are unpacking this. You should not have to carry the emotional weight. It was so brave of you to reach out to your ex. I hope it brings you peace and healing.

Thank you again for sharing your story with us.

What a courageous piece!