Growing up my grandmother supported me the most. I live with her for a couple of years when I was in my early twenties working as a paramedic where she lived.

At this time my twenty year old son supports me most. I would never have thought I would be saying that a few years ago because he was a defiant teen that tested my patience.

My biological dad loves me in his own way. He is a very selfish person so I have learned not to expect anything monetary from him. For instance in 2005 I lost my disability income because I had failed to return forms. I lived in my house for a couple of months with no electric, no refrigeration. I asked him for a loan and he told me to sell some of my model horses. Which would have worked IF I had electric to upload photos to the internet.

My stepdad died when I was twenty. He loved me like his own. I miss him.

My mom... sometimes I wonder if she is getting Alzheimers. She says things seemingly without thinking. Sometimes they are hurtful. Often she contradicts something she said previously. I believe her intent is good but she isn't really much support emotionally and doesn't encourage me. Like when I was talking about wanting to go to grad school when/if my son becomes autonomous and she discouraged the idea as if I am incapable because I am mentally ill. And she tells me I should sell that horse and move into a condo. Anybody who knows much of me can tell you that I love that horse more than I care for most people. Sell my horse??!? Does she not know who I am?

My sisters... still live with our mom. Both in their early forties. Neither have ever had a relationship with a man. Or even a date. It's a codependent mess between the sisters and my mum. Only one sister drives. The youngest sister is very bossy and tells everybody her opinion of everything. I have been avoiding dinners at mom's house because of the bossy sister. I don't like being around her. Neither do my mom or my other sister; they say they want to have their own houses but I don't see that happening. I don't think they have the finances for that. But anyway in 2005 I stayed with them for a few weeks when I had no income. But the crabby sister got all mean because I dared to step out of the shower wet and got her precious bathroom rug wet. I thought that's what rugs were for. But no at her house you are supposed to dry off before you step on the rug. I decided then I would rather live in peace in my own home with no electric than listen to her anymore.

And I have a brother. Half brother. Fifteen years younger and grew up with dad's second wife. I like him but we aren't what you would call close. He got angry with our dad for some reason and decided to not invite dad or anybody on dad's side of the family to his wedding. That was kind of rude since I never did anything wrong but it's just more of our family drama.

And don't even get me started on dad's wife #5. I am going to dedicate a thread all about how to get along with her. Yes it's that bad.

You asked. Clearly a dysfunctional family. And they wonder why I would rather be with my horse.