Hi Two Hot Takes !!!
I’ve been wanting to share my story for a while, and I think I’m finally ready.
I’m a mom of two a sweet, wild-hearted three-year-old and a seven month-old who’s just starting to crawl and I recently did something that scared the hell out of me: I left my marriage. I had no plan, no money, no stability… but I had to get out.
My husband was emotionally manipulative, unreliable, and deep in addiction. He refused help, lied constantly, and left me alone to care for our kids while carrying the weight of everything — rent, meals, emotional labor, all of it. I begged, cried, tried to keep our family together. But I was drowning.
What finally broke me was a moment during one of his rages. He said something so cruel and triggering, it instantly transported me back to the things my own father used to say. In that flash of clarity, I saw the cycle I was trapped in. And I knew my children deserved better. I deserved better.
I called my mom (my rock), and she told me, “Leave. Right now.” So I did.
I grabbed what I could, took my babies, and drove straight to my sister’s. She opened her home to us without hesitation and has supported me in ways no one ever has. It still brings me to tears.
Now, we’re figuring things out. My mom is incredibly supportive emotionally, but she’s sick and can’t handle having the kids around long-term. I’m staying with my sister for now, but I’m determined to get an apartment for me and my babies. I dream of buying a home in the next couple of years and finally giving them a safe, peaceful space to grow up in.
I had planned to use my tax refund for a bigger car or maybe a trip to San Diego (my hometown) just to breathe for a second. But I’ve realized I need to use that money to build our foundation — to start over smart.
I’ve enrolled in nursing school to become a labor and delivery nurse. I’ve never been to college before, but I’m ready. I need to do this for my kids and for myself. I’m also starting therapy. It’s time to heal. I’ve spent years shrinking myself, walking on eggshells, being the glue. No more.
And here’s the part I absolutely have to share:
Two Hot Takes got me through this!!!!
I’m not kidding when I say you all Morgan!!! the co-hosts, this community were there for me in some of my darkest, loneliest days. I listened to every single episode while cleaning, while driving, while getting the kids ready. You were my escape. My peace. My friends.
I’ve cried with you. I’ve laughed with you. I’ve nodded along in solidarity. You reminded me I wasn’t crazy for wanting more, for feeling broken, for still showing up even when I had nothing left.
And now, I’m here. Free. Starting over. And finally sharing my story because you’ve shared so many with me.
To anyone out there feeling stuck, scared, or completely drained: You can do this. I left with nothing but my babies and the fire inside me. And that fire? It’s growing stronger every single day.
Thank you, truly, for being my lifeline even when you didn’t know you were. Love you guys truly!!!
Comments
Backup of the post’s body: Hi Two Hot Takes !!!
I’ve been wanting to share my story for a while, and I think I’m finally ready.
I’m a mom of two a sweet, wild-hearted three-year-old and a seven month-old who’s just starting to crawl and I recently did something that scared the hell out of me: I left my marriage. I had no plan, no money, no stability… but I had to get out.
My husband was emotionally manipulative, unreliable, and deep in addiction. He refused help, lied constantly, and left me alone to care for our kids while carrying the weight of everything — rent, meals, emotional labor, all of it. I begged, cried, tried to keep our family together. But I was drowning.
What finally broke me was a moment during one of his rages. He said something so cruel and triggering, it instantly transported me back to the things my own father used to say. In that flash of clarity, I saw the cycle I was trapped in. And I knew my children deserved better. I deserved better.
I called my mom (my rock), and she told me, “Leave. Right now.” So I did.
I grabbed what I could, took my babies, and drove straight to my sister’s. She opened her home to us without hesitation and has supported me in ways no one ever has. It still brings me to tears.
Now, we’re figuring things out. My mom is incredibly supportive emotionally, but she’s sick and can’t handle having the kids around long-term. I’m staying with my sister for now, but I’m determined to get an apartment for me and my babies. I dream of buying a home in the next couple of years and finally giving them a safe, peaceful space to grow up in.
I had planned to use my tax refund for a bigger car or maybe a trip to San Diego (my hometown) just to breathe for a second. But I’ve realized I need to use that money to build our foundation — to start over smart.
I’ve enrolled in nursing school to become a labor and delivery nurse. I’ve never been to college before, but I’m ready. I need to do this for my kids and for myself. I’m also starting therapy. It’s time to heal. I’ve spent years shrinking myself, walking on eggshells, being the glue. No more.
And here’s the part I absolutely have to share:
Two Hot Takes got me through this!!!!
I’m not kidding when I say you all Morgan!!! the co-hosts, this community were there for me in some of my darkest, loneliest days. I listened to every single episode while cleaning, while driving, while getting the kids ready. You were my escape. My peace. My friends.
I’ve cried with you. I’ve laughed with you. I’ve nodded along in solidarity. You reminded me I wasn’t crazy for wanting more, for feeling broken, for still showing up even when I had nothing left.
And now, I’m here. Free. Starting over. And finally sharing my story because you’ve shared so many with me.
To anyone out there feeling stuck, scared, or completely drained: You can do this. I left with nothing but my babies and the fire inside me. And that fire? It’s growing stronger every single day.
Thank you, truly, for being my lifeline even when you didn’t know you were. Love you guys truly!!!
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Congrats on starting over- and good luck in school. An honorable profession. My L&D nurse was absolutely amazing.
I did this in 2019 and here i am in 2025 and there have been lots of ups and downs but I’m so glad I left. I’m actually friends w my ex now who also had substance issues that he is clean from.
Im also an RN and I have a friend who is also a single mom who went to nursing school after being inspired when she went to my graduation. She pulled herself out of poverty and now makes $150k year (were in socal) working Monday thru Friday, weekends off, as an OR manager.
I have a lot of back problems from my days of working in the hospital but even with the physical issues and after 2 back surgeries I find many nursing jobs that pay well and are easy on me (home health, and admin stuff for Medicare patients in a nursing home) and I’m making $140k / year.
My advice, go to therapy and do not get into relationship or dating. Wait till your kids are way older. I always kept my apartment a safe place for my kids and did not bring men over. They are in college now and I do my own life. There is plenty of time.
As a complete aside to your post, My poor grasp on English meant that when I first read the title, I thought you took everything, and left your babies with your abusive husband.
I was very confused for about half a second!