Sheree Whitfield is sure raising eyebrows with her latest romantic relationship on this season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. But she has no regrets about her involvement with Tyrone Gilliams, who is currently incarcerated in federal prison for “white collar crime” – allegedly financial scamming.
Additionally, Sheree is living through the aftermath of last year’s bombshell that her ex-husband Bob Whitfield abused her. Since hiring a life coach, Sheree seems to be opening up about the most private aspects of her life. And she claims that talking to her children about the abuse on camera was tough, but necessary. “Having the conversation about the unhealthy relationship between me and their dad was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do! I love my kids with everything I am and have always chosen to protect them. I never wanted them to look at me as damaged, broken, or less than the strong, loving, fun, supportive mom that they know.”
“I was really ashamed and embarrassed as I endured and put up with the very things that as a mother I tell my kids not to stand for or deal with. I tell them that they are valuable and worthy but I didn’t value myself enough then,” admits Sheree.
During the scene in which she discussed the abuse, Sheree’s children seemed loving and supportive. But it does seem odd that she wouldn’t have discussed the issue with them before, given the fact that the topic came to light on television last year though – no?
Regardless of the timing, Sheree appreciated her kids’ reaction. She reflects, “I’m not surprised by what my kids said. I know that they have seen the struggles and sacrifices that I have made throughout their lives to assure that they had a nice, balanced, healthy, happy life. I have raised them to be amazing young adults with great morals, values, and a strong sense of self. I know they just want me to get back to that place and to also be happy. They know that my life has always been about taking care of others, and now it’s time to take care of me.”
As for her confession about Tyrone, Sheree seems to have no regrets! She gushes, “My bond and connection with Tyrone is incredible and runs very deep. We have had nothing but time to reacquaint ourselves on a much deeper level that has allowed us to really get to know one another on not just a physical level. He is my best friend. He pushes me, he inspires me to do and be better, he knows me inside and out, we can talk openly about anything, we connect on every level and I have a sense of trust, love, and comfort with him. I could go on and on but you get the point!”
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Apparently, outing her relationship with Tyrone on RHOA has invoked an outpouring of support from fans and viewers who also have loved ones in prison, for which Sheree is grateful.
Sheree offers thanks in her blog: “I want to thank all of you for the extreme amount of love and support I received after this episode. My story isn’t foreign, as many of us know of someone that is or has been incarcerated, be it a loved one, a family member, an ex school mate, or a friend. Know that I truly appreciate some of you sharing your stories and experiences. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I thank you form the bottom of my heart!”
It remains to be seen whether Sheree’s cast mates will provide the same level of support. But then again, it wouldn’t be a Housewives show without a heaping helping of shade, would it?
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Photo Credit: Bravo
