Kebs, that is such a lovely post. My mother is about the same age as your parents, and I think that generation just had a lot of trouble expressing emotions. And of course, all forms of mental illness were stigmatized.

I really do think they love/loved us more than they could express and were simply bewildered. I'm not saying that makes it easier for us who felt that emotional abandonment. I am so glad that you have had confirmation of your value to your mother, however belatedly it came. Your story made my eyes tear up a bit.