@IndianaScott @kimspr3 What I say here, goes out to everyone who has had less-than-stellar family situations either while growing up or later on. Use it as a stepping stone to become your best person, not as a millstone around your neck for making excuses. This is what I have chosen to do. One sister says she is so amazed at how strong I am. I say the alternative was not an option for me.
Ginger

My brother died 2003, Since we both had PTSD in very different ways. When he was in ICU, still able to correspond he was my big brother but put me down so much. I needed to be close to him, asked him if I could lay down with him like old times, he said no! Asked him If I could hold his hand, no! I felt like a little girl again but this time my good ole brother rejected me again. After he died my sister-in-law would throw that in my face. I made the worst mistake by telling her what my brother said to me. My parents Grandchildren never went to their funerals. At my brothers funeral his 3 children spoke about their father BUT his sister, mother, niece were never mentioned. I should have stood up, tactfully mentioned that he had the other members of family. dam, I'm crying now. My father started drinking after he married his second wife 30 years younger 5 years older than me. She cheated on my father. She married for what he had $$. foolish! I with you both a good evening!