Your story is just heartbreaking. No child should be treated like that. It was clearly an abusive situation.

It's natural for a child (and we are ALL still children when it comes to our parents!) to love their parents and to want their love in return. It comes right from nature and our survival instincts, so it's really hard to change.

Having to accept your father for who he is seems an impossible task. It's one I also struggle with, so I'm afraid I don't have any big words of wisdom. Just that he is who he is. And thank goodness, you came out of the ashes of that heartless home to rise up as a warm spirited woman. How glorious and amazing is that?? And you've married (happily I hope!) , and raised a family of your own. I'll bet the lesson of knowing a home without love, gave you a determination that your own children would never experience that.

Ok, now emmy is rambling again....

I think all we can do is try to accept that they are who they are. We can just shake our head at their sad, angry hearts, and be grateful for the love in our own?

Easier said than done...I know!!

BIG hugs, emmy