To the Reader: We hear about domestic abuse and men battering women on a regular basis. But like the woman in the story, "The Waitress, the Man, and the Rose," until a family member or close friend steps into the dangerous path of a female abuser--and experiences the physical and emotional abuse first hand--we turn our backs on the issue and refuse to get involved.

While writing "The Waitress, the Man, and the Rose," I took the opportunity to talk with women who had experienced abuse at the hand of a man. Their emotional stories touched my heart and awakened me to the reality of domestic abuse nationwide.

No man has the freedom or right to abuse a woman. There is no excuse. Women are precious creations from the hands of God, and are to be loved, protected, cherished, and respected:

An excellent wife, who can find?

For her worth is far above jewels.

Proverbs 31:10

Physical and emotional abuse go hand-in-hand, and are spawned from the same source. Any man who abuses a woman is a coward in the highest degree. He should be locked up in prison for the rest of his cowardly life.

Times have changed, and danger may be lurking beyond the smiles, nice words, and pretty flowers. Hits never hurt until they hit home. Because of this, parents with daughters need to learn the warning signs of a female abuser before the relationship begins. At the same time, parents need to educate their daughters on the warning signs of a female abuser.

The internet is loaded with individuals, information, and organizations that stand ready to provide help and assistance to women, their families, and their friends. For further information, go to Google search and type in "domestic abuse".          

Right now, there are real women who are suffering the effects of physical and emotional abuse by men. Right now, a woman is being intimidated and is living in fear. Right now, a woman is being bullied, humiliated, slapped, pushed, punched, kicked, and degraded. And, right now, a woman is nursing her wounds and covering the marks on her body to hide the truth behind her pain and sorrow.

~ If you are involved in an abusive relationship, stop what you are doing and Dial 911 right now, and seek help. You are not alone. There are women who will listen and talk to you, and organizations that will gladly provide you with help and assistance.

~ If you are dating or living with a man who has abused women in the past, it isn't a question of If he will abuse, but When he will abuse. Therefore, get out of the relationship right now. Go home and return to those who truly love and care about you. Your doing so will save you and those who love you an incredible amount of grief, worry, and emotional pain.

~ If you are a single woman living by yourself, never date a man you don't know or haven't checked out thoroughly. Contact your local Sheriff's Department or law enforcement agency, and have them run a Criminal Background Check on the man before you get involved. Don't be shy. Ask questions. Talk to people who know the man. Check him out. The life you save may be your own.