Pom,
I don't think I could say it any better than sabby has already...

Jme, but detaching from my family was the best gift I gave to myself. In doing so, I allowed self esteem in and the guilt out.
Good trade, I believe.

My family was toxic to me from the day I was born...I thought for a very long time that it was my "lot" in life to be abused and used.
It took years before I understood the truth and faced it.
Was it easy? No.
Worth it? Yes.

There are times when I grieve over it, but those times are few and far between the peace and freedom I now have.
Freedom from constantly trying to please them, justify my existence, and being a dump for all their garbage.

Cap