gosh coral you sound just like me........I too see my past as a
traumatic thing turned positive in some respects as I have protected my own children and been aware of dangers, situations etc....

Now I am at the stage where I am trying to drop the mask..my kids are nearly 16 and 18, they only know bits of what happened to me....they dont need to know everything, but they are able to understand why sometimes I find it hard to cope, especially going through intensive therapy....

It's hard but will pay in the long run...I hope you find peace too, dont ever compare you hurt to anothers, you felt it and that is real, you are entitled to feel sorry for yourself and nurture and heal yourself, pm me anytime if you'd like to talk, I wish you luck, you dont have to live with constant emotional pain..

hugs and care, Jinny xx