I don't regret what I did because he's been hitting my mom for over 20 years, and this was the first time that I was able to physically pay him back. But man, it's gonna be awkward from now on.

YOU GO HEAD!!!

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Your mom is stupid for not leaving. :(

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What can she do though? She stuck by him through the tough years, and now that they're in the "comfy years", she at least deserves the financial benefits and social status that comes with being married to him (he's a doctor). Believe me, I would wish nothing more than for her to leave him, but that's really not possible at this point.

Its a natural response.  He is stronger, she is your mother.  It will be no more or less awkward than it has been for the last 20 years, just sorta different.

And its good to apologize as well.  He is your dad after all.  But any guy should expect a son to defend his mother, deep down, he may even be proud of you for doing it.  Maybe now the reasons for the abuse can start to be addressed, now that he just can't steam roll over her anymore.  There are things that can be done to maybe save the marriage and them both enjoy their comfy years.  If not, then the comfy years only bring him more time to abuse her, and yes, she should leave.  No one deserves to live in fear and to be beat.

Post edited at 6:24 pm on July 10, 2008 by Themouser