I love this post. My mom suffered extensive abuse as a child and young adult from her mother and father. I remember we all had the same therapist once, and she probably shouldn't have said this to me. But I imagine she did, because she wanted me to know it wasn't my fault. But she told me both my parents were so broken and damaged. She wasn't able to help them. I look back on that and realize, you know, my parents are human too. And they've been damaged by life like I have and so many others. I used to hate my parents. I love them, but have boundaries. Because I was emotionally neglected and verbally/,mentally abused (by my mom) so I need to have those boundaries to protect myself. Once you understand they're just struggling, suffering people, it's easier to feel compassion.