((((Biplol))) What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing. Your story reminds me a little of my family. My mother was abusive and controlling and indeed was abused herself. I have 3 brothers, I am the only girl and my mother relied on me alot for emotional support - unfortunately the roles were reversed because of this.

I have been through a lot of therapy to try to come to terms with how she brought me and my brothers up. We also had a lot of laughter growing up but a lot of that was to release the pain we felt about hating our mother and the confusion this brought.

I so longed for a sister too as my brothers and I dont get together very often. She could have shared the load with me like "sisters together united"! I am so glad that you have found a good place with your siblings and can feel positive and happy around them. Breaking the cycle with your own children too, I have done this with my own children as well but its been a bit of a struggle what with the bipolar and all. But I see my just teenage daughter blossoming and its wonderful! Yes we are and our children are unique!