My update: I haven't been able to sleep since this Christmas debacle that I subjected myself to....Will drift off to sleep only to wake re-experiencing the insult. Hey...I totally realize I'm allowing myself to be a victim here, and even MORE telling, allowing myself to be victimized by the family dynamic in which I was raised.

Interesting also that sister is heavily into religion, like it's her life! I wonder how that meshes with her treatment to me? I sometimes think she and her family are brainwashed. I do know she has disdain for me because I don't partake in the fundamentalist/pentacostal beliefs.

I weakened this evening and actually tried to call her, to verbally TELL her how she had hurt me. Mercifully, I think, there was no answer. It would be to no avail anyway, and I would be made to feel foolish and flawed.

In the past, when I came here for help, I was deeply hurt by experiences beyond my control. I found the compassion and insight I needed. PC is wonderful in that respect. I also have had a whole "library" of self-help books that I've practically memorized in order to deal with such hurts. Funny, I got rid of all those books, thinking I'd never need them again. But the essence of what I learned remains, and I must return to it.

Thank you all for your kind responses.
Patty