004: Learning to Love Again with Emma Ferrick

Single Mom Stories with Kelly Travis

Today’s guest on the Single Mom Stories podcast is Emma, an ex-single mom, business owner, and domestic violence survivor. We begin today’s conversation by reviewing the moment when Emma found out she was pregnant. She remembers feeling scared to tell her Catholic parents that she was pregnant, especially since she had yet to graduate college. A lot of monumental events in Emma’s family also took place during this time making her feel like a burden. Emma notes that she was somewhat distracted from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her child’s father as a result, and she only decided to leave him after he had physically abused her for the third time. She said it was at this moment that she went into survival mode.

We go on to talk about her experience fighting the same man for custody over their daughter. It was a frustrating time when she felt like the legal system wasn’t protecting her like it should. After, however, she talks about her fiance and what it was like to have to relearn how to trust again - sharing a life with someone is no small feat. She says living with someone presents new challenges, but she’s also grateful that she’s found her greatest supporter and partner. We draw this episode to a close as Emma remembers some of her favorite memories with her daughter; she cherishes the bygone therapy days when she would get dinner with her daughter after an appointment.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

• Emma’s story of finding out that she was pregnant
• Her experience of escaping an abusive partner
• The custody battle that arose
• Learning to trust again
• What it’s like to be in a relationship again
• Getting dinner with her daughter on therapy days

Quotes:

“I was like, so scared, and clearly, I don't want people to know. I don't want people to judge me. I was so afraid of what people would think. But once I announced it and things like that, people were– I was really just in my own head.”

“There were all these major life events that distracted me from the abusive relationship that I didn't really start to realize like I can't tolerate this anymore. It wasn't until probably the third or fourth physical altercation; that was the one that actually sent me to the hospital.”

“So anyone who's going through this, if you are struggling with it, keep using the legal aspect as best as you can, even though it's frustrating and can be slow–But using that to your advantage as best as you can to help you get free is so important.”

“Honestly, I was ready to give up on trying to go on dates. I was definitely putting myself out there way earlier than most people would or feel comfortable to.”

“I can decide to see the good in a person and not let my experience ruin it for everyone, because it's part of my therapy and part of my healing.”

“You don't have to on-paper be a single mom to feel like a single mom, right? There are so many women who are doing the bulk of the work. Maybe they have some financial support, but they are doing most of this.”

Links:

Single Mom Stories Instagram - www.instagram.com/singlemomstoriespodcast

Single Mom Stories Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/singlemomstories

Website - www.singlemomstories

Emma Ferrick instagram - www.instagram.com/elf_operations