I cut my mom and dad off 22 years ago. The first few years I was a mess. I was grieving without anyone recognizing my grief. The number of times I got told, “But that’s your mom—she’ll always love you!” was disgusting. I stopped telling people. What I wanted to say was, This is the woman who threatened to k*ll me, to r*pe me, who kicked me out into the streets at night dressed in my underwear. Who willingly led me to child predators and left me with them.

Not all mothers love their children or are good for their children. I wish you nothing but the best as you move forward. It does get easier (a lot easier!).

Through the hands of my father, I was sexually abused as a child. Managing life until therapy finally found me in my 30s.

After years of very one-sided relationship dealings riddled with continuous ‘made to feel guilty’ comments from my dad, I too walked away. Because I had to – for myself.

Fast forward 20 plus years, Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my brother cared for him every day until his death this past February.

Through a letter I had written to my dad about 3 months after his diagnosis, my brother was able to understand where I stood and what I needed for healing.

While it might be difficult for people outside of this situation to understand, I believe that through everything, I am a better person – and if it’s not all sunshine and roses for myself, then maybe I can make it that way for my children & grandchildren.