Jazz

I know where you are coming from - just can't win. I was the youngest, but I was blamed for everything too. Mom thought my birth caused her life to become a living hell for her. My dad had to travel a lot, so I was responsible for keeping her from attempting suicide while he was gone. At a very young age, I was responsible for dealing with the authorities in dad's absence when mom attempted suicide before I could stop her.

When mom was committed to a psychiatric hospital for several months, I had to keep up with my studies. I also had to keep the house clean and have dinner ready for my father and sister everyday when they came home from work. I wasn't allowed to hang around with my friends. When I snuck out and went to the movies with them one day, I got in trouble for being selfish and not carrying my load. If I raised my voice, my father's German Shepherd would push me into a corner to protect my older sister from me.

It was frustrating as hell, but it made me stronger. It taught me how NOT to be mother, and it taught me how NOT to treat my family. It taught me to maintain my composure when dealing with "toxic" employers, co-workers, and society in general.

Hang in there, kid. I know it's hard.