In that way I am very different. I have had night terrors and recurring nightmares. I've had dread associated with the memories. And it makes me very angry that there was no one there to protect the 10 year old child that I was (regarding the specific sexual abuse), and it makes me angry that I had parents who were so screwed up.

I do grieve the fact that I missed out on a normal childhood. and I have lot of compassion for those who had traumatic childhood's themselves.

One of my few consolations is that I'm doing everything in my power to be sure my son has a good childhood.