One year ago today I discovered (the hard way) that my husband and business partner was having an affair with one of our very young employees. It wasn’t a one-off fling but a full-fledged, calculated extramarital affair that had been ongoing for 2 years – right under my nose. And naive little me didn’t see it coming.
Of course I had every reason to trust him. “Markus” took his marriage vows seriously and swore (swore!) to me often that he would never ever cheat. “People who cheated were disgusting and immoral” he said. He was there for my son and I for the long haul, for better or worse, and he intended to honor his vows to the end. For 10 years, we lived building our life together, raising Mischa, and sharing our passion for healthy living, outdoor sports, hiking, nature, and the raw vegan lifestyle. I trusted him implicitly, never even thinking to think otherwise. And yet, within moments, everything that I believed in came crashing to the ground.
To see everything that you’ve worked at for so long crumble at your feet, all because of someone else’s act of selfishness is truly devastating. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that the clean cut vegan “family man” who asked my father’s permission for my hand in marriage had been carrying with our staff, lying to me for years, breaching his fiduciary duties and putting our corporation at risk. I felt as though I had been stabbed in the heart twice.
To add to this, I discovered that my business was being mismanaged and pilfered from. The turmoil that I was left with was overwhelming, the legal battles unending. At times, I wondered if I would be able to go on. Not only I did I have to rebuild my business and manage a staff of 12, I was forced to clear out the accumulated matrimonial clutter from our home, stage the house, and list it on the market — all single handed —- while trying to be there for my son. I considered walking away from my business and giving up on my dream, my aspirations and life mission. It hasn’t been easy – especially that he never admitted or explained his actions to myself or to his stepson (my child!) of 10 years. (This being hardest for us both to process)) Instead he took the cowardice way out, vanishing from our lives, never to be seen again. Except for in court.
Just remember you make a difference in people’s lives everyday! Juice on!!
Thank you for the kind words Michele! Much love to you! xxx
I am so sorry you went through all this. Your strength is truly inspiring. I’m so glad you decided to keep your business. A little bit more of fairy dust in our city!
Aw, thanks Meri! I feel so blessed being part of such a wonderful community! xxx
It takes a lot of courage to share these kinds of stories. Thank you for doing so. Your husband clearly has lost sight of the magnificence of you and of himself. Your vision of raw living is marvelous and Ottawa is lucky to have you. I’m glad you decided to persevere.
Thank you Melinda! I am touched by your thoughtful words and support. Much love to you! xxx
I took one of your classes in September Natasha. Had no idea that you had gone and were going through all this. I thought you were just amazing. You definitely have lots of strength. So glad you kept things going. Haven’t been in for awhile but I’m due for a shake and my fave spiralized zucchini dish. Take care, Carol.
Thanks for the sweet words Carol. I look forward to seeing you at the shop! xxx
Natasha, I am proud of you for keeping on keeping on and inspired by your courage. I have always appreciated your business in this town and will now make an even bigger effort to come by to support you.
Natasha, you are a beautiful, strong and courageous woman. Don’t ever change! Don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing. You have and continue to inspire many, many people. You make a difference…and we are all behind you! With love, Diane and Alex
Now I understand the sadness in your eyes the last time I saw you, I can say that I understand and feel your pain, I went throughout the same betrayal 4 years ago, still hurts I will drop in soon to give you a hug as hugs get me through many dark days. You are a beautiful, smart remarkable woman. Big hug and kiss and bravo to you it took me 2 years to talk about it! xoxo Rachel
Dear Natasha, it’s been a while since we last spoke, but nonetheless you continue to inspire me as I seek my “healthy path”. I am shocked and saddened to hear of the betrayal you and Mischa have suffered. Your strength and courage are to be admired, and I will pray for your continued healing. You go Girl! Consider yourself hugged.
Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing this story here Natasha – I am sending you much love and light – you are a powerful inspiration!! ❤
Your openness has made your more accessible to more women. Unfortunately this is an all too common story. His loss. This hard experience has just brought you through to more understanding. You have just leveled up a Goddess level, as if you weren’t amazing enough already. You are richer now, it’s true. Love to you and your beautiful mom and son. Thank you.
Dear Natasha,
I am very sorry that you experienced such a betrayal by those you should have been able to trust. I am hurt and disappointed for you. Thank you for sharing your painful journey, so that we can support you.
Thank you for Simply Raw Express and your books. Your delicious food is impossible to resist! Thank you for teaching us to honour our bodies, our souls, our planet and our fellow animals by eating a raw vegan diet. You’re beautiful on the inside and outside. You’re also an incredible example to the world of a healthy, strong, conscientious woman. Glow on!!!
Love, Michelle
Thank you for not giving up. Your strength is inspiring, your food irresistible, and your presence is a blessing to us all!
You are an amazing role model and person. I have a pit in my stomach reading this but know you will come out much further ahead and betrayal such as this is so disheartening. You are a visionary and leader and have a beautiful soul. Keep strong and your message going.
I am so sorry to hear about you hard journey of 2014. It must be devastating knowing that the closest one are the one to hurt us the most. I hope that your ex will find a peace one day in his life.
You defenitely are a much stronger and better off this way.
Time will heal your wounds but mind will never forget.
With so much admiration for everything you do
Love Jana
Dear Natasha. I’ve only met you once, but your gentle nature and beauty has stuck with me. I have since purchased your cook book and am taking Biosuperfood. I have gone through a betrayal as well and I feel your pain. It is shocking when you are so deceived. You are very strong and brave to have shared this publicly. I wish you every success and am so glad you decided to carry on with your wonderful business. You are an inspiration.
I applaud your strength. Perhaps the Universe adjusted your path and there will be another, more worthy person, that you were really meant to be with. The best is yet to come.
Bottom line my dear, men (and woman) who do this are selfish and have no morals and one day the pain from this betrayal will be dissipate but till then know that you did not deserve this. Do no give up on your dreams, he has taken enough from you, do not give him more of your beautiful spirit! Mothers we need to teach our our daughters that this is so wrong and show our sons the impact of infidelity on us as well.
Natasha – I am so sorry that you had to go through such a terrible ordeal. When my husband and I took the two-week cleanse you were always so supportive and gently encouraging to everyone in the class. We love that when we come into the store to grab a bite to eat you have a lovely smile for us. People with integrity and strength of character always come out on top!
Hi Natasha,
Jacinthe and I still think of you every time we make a veggie smoothie. I still talk of the raw Carrot Cake that stays fresh the whole week (while a cooked carrot cake turns biscotte in a few days.
May time heal all wounds and may divine grace and life’s blessings come to you a hundredfold for all the good advice and assistance you have brought the Ottawa Community over the past years.
We spread the word of your store on Wellington Street and your website (www.simplyraw.ca) to all those who are looking for a lifestyle change.
Richard and Jacinthe