[sicillian62]

I was born in sicily, and came to the united states when I was12. At 16yrs old my parents arrainged my marriage to a sicillian man who was 10 yrs older than me. I was engaged to him for 4 yrs. with chapperones with us at all time. Never to be left alone. At 20 I was married and have 4 children. I stayed in the marriage for 20yrs. because of my religion (catholic) and did not want to put shame in my family. The man was very abusive and would always threaten to kill me if I ever left him. With the help of friends I left him and took my children with me. I have been divorce now 14yrs. My children who are now adults keep throwing in my face how could I have married a man I didn't love, and have sex with him, and bear his children. No matter how I explain my situation, they blame me for their existence, and that I should have never had them. They feel that they are bastards, since their father has little or no interaction with them. I have tried to explain the era, culture, history of our country, and they are all in college, no matter what I say, they can't seem to get it. Am asking for advice from anyone, or from any sicillians that have or now of anyone with similiar experiences. Want to thank you in advance for your time, and help, and God bless us.