Me too. Abusive, bipolar, alcoholic, pill-popping Mom. She really messed up my head- my brother got it worse- and I'm not going into that! Dad was not around often- in the navy. He was physically abusive during my early years. I can remember being hit at age 5 with a broad leather belt- and him putting wet washcloths on my bottom to bring down the welts. He got it together eventually and was a good Dad after that. Their divorce was hellish- and again, I'm not going there!

There are many of us who are children of abuse. We tend to go one of two ways- we either become abusers, or we fight it and become protectors. I am a protector. NO child in my care will be abused if I can help it. We can break the chain of abuse that has been handed down through our families. Our abusive parents were abused children. WE have a choice to make! I chose to break the chain of abuse. I hope you can too. No more abuse!- Granny