allautum, I was neglected and severely abused and the neglect and hatred for one's sole has been by far the worst to deal with. You suffered tremendously. I have no words of wisdom for you around the current relationship with the parents. It seems like something I couldn't do. I am not sure you will ever get the apology you are looking for. I too was never comforted, any vulnerability was used to murder my soul. Neglect affects us in a different way inside. Affects our development differently. Compound that with abuse and it's a party! NOT. I am so sorry you had to endure so much. You survived and can have the power to act as you desire to act and to treat people kindly. You do not have to be like them.