Hello ComplexGirl: Thanks for sharing this. I'm an old person now. And while I can't relate to a lot of specifics you wrote about in your post, there was also quite a bit I could relate to.

I won't go into a lot of detail here. But suffice it to say there is a large thread of secrecy that was woven throughout my life. Somehow, I don't know how, I learned very early in life that there were things I must never tell anyone about. And so I didn't.

Just a few years ago, I opened the door, just a crack, & poked my head out briefly. However it became quite clear rather quickly that no one wanted to hear about it. So I closed the door & retreated back into the closet. The only difference is that, at this point, my age is such that it's all mostly behind me now... except for the memories. Anyway... I mostly just wanted to let you know I read your post & I wish you well...