Last weekend, I watched some shows on tv that had a similar theme...abused children. Cold Case was one of the shows and it was just heartbreaking...a child stolen by his uncle and sold to a pedophile, I felt so incredibly bad for the little boy. Another was a true story, a woman who had 5 children, 3 girls, 2 boys, and she killed 2 of her daughters. I also read the blog of a regular read to find out she'd been treated horribly as a child.

As much as I didn't feel close to my mother, I know I had damn good parents. I never felt unloved or unwanted, I was barely ever disciplined or spanked (back when spanking was socially acceptable LOL), I didn't go hungry and while I didn't get every little thing I wanted (sigh...that Easy Bake Oven) I was well taken care of, had clean clothes, a roof over my head and kind, caring parents. And bear in mind, I wasn't the easiest child in the world, especially once I hit my teens.

In a way, I felt it was like my mother was pointing this out to me.

Your parents were/are good people who really wanted you. They weren't perfect parents, (who'se parents are) and they made their share of mistakes. But they loved you dearly.
Early in your life I think your Mom was more critical, but in later years, she would get all teary when telling me how really proud she was of you.
You were/are a good daughter, so don't sell yourself short, my dear!

You are so phobic about the word LOVE. They LOVE(D) you.

Yes, there are some children that grow up in the worst situations. Some people just should not have kids.

Remember, there is ALWAYS someone worse off......sometimes a little perspective IS very eye opening......

we all have "differences" with family members....thats just nature...but when it comes down you it love and family are the most precious of all

Isn't it ironic how messages can come to us in so many different ways.

You can use my Easy Bake Oven anytime you want. Funny that I did get one as a kid and I hate to cook.