I never really had much of a relationship with my father until after I was diagnosed. I think sometimes that he feels regret for not having stood between me and my abusive mother (he was rarely home and I honestly believe that he was - maybe subconsciously - avoiding his own abuse at her hands). Anyway, we are in touch now every other day and get together about once a week.

Similarly there seems to be a greater understanding between myself and my now adult children. It is as though they have forgiven me for those ocassions I was perhaps lacking as a parent.

My brother and I have gone from not talking to one another to being close. I think too part of that is making up for when my mother was emotionally abusive to me while treating him like he could do no wrong. He has acknowledge that in fact occured and he seems to feel obligated to me as a result.