by Laura Harrison

Created on: July 02, 2008   Last Updated: August 28, 2010

In the fall of 1996, I left New York city, and went to live in the rural south. This decision to move was not made because of something I wanted, but based on the needs of someone else.

My boyfriend, whom I perceived to be my knight in shining armour, had taken a job down there, and wanted me to come with him. Despite cries of protest from my sons, I took them out of school, and off we went.

It was easy to convince myself that I was doing the right thing. For years, Id struggled as a single mom, without child support, and without help. This life in Virginia held the promise of being better, and easier. The cost of living was much lower, the surroundings were beautiful, and I believed I'd be able to be home more.

My friend took a job as grounds manager for a state park. We went to live on 112 acres, in a charming little cabin, next to a river, in the woods. Can you imagine the shock this was for my two sons? From New York city, to the back woods of some sleepy little town. It is only now, 13 years later, that I realize how I traumatized the boys with this decision.

We arrived in the driveway of the cabin on Thanksgiving day. The sun was shining brilliantly, the smell of burning smoke was in the air, and the feeling that we were beginning a great adventure surrounded us.

Contrary to my expectations, life wasn't easy here. The adjustment to this kind of life, was incredibly difficult. My boyfriends job paid very little. My oldest son became so depressed, I feared he would commit suicide. My younger son immediately hooked up with trouble making locals, who dabbled in drugs and alcohol. And I, unable to find a decent paying job, wound up working more hours than I ever did back home.

The most horrific surprise was the way my boyfriends personality changed, after he had us away from home. This man who I thought was simple, and easy, and strong, became a controlling, demanding, horror of a human being. I discovered that he was self centered, jealous, ignorant, and jealous of my sons.

I knew that I had made a huge mistake, but I couldn't admit it, and I had no where else to go.

My life became that of some sort of prairie woman. Because Mr. wonderful was so lazy, every day for me, was at least a 16 hour day. I worked, and cooked, and cleaned. I took care of every need he had. I even lugged in the wood that we heated the cabin with. Along with all of the chores, my greatest challenge was to try to help my sons cope with their new surroundings. I was also put in the position

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