DEAR ABBY: I can’t understand why my mom kept the last name of her ex-husband (my stepfather), who sexually abused me and my sister as children. She knew all about it after I broke down and told her when I was 10. She stayed married to him for years afterward, with my sister and me in the house. Keeping that monster away from me was hell on earth.
Mom now has dementia, and I take good care of her. I made sure I had a good, healthy life and relationships, and also made sure to protect my child from abuse. I’m trying to not be angry, sad and damaged. I don’t live every day thinking about it. Am I too sensitive? — SURVIVOR IN INDIANA
DEAR SURVIVOR: Too sensitive? I don’t think so. Considering the circumstances, your feelings are normal. I admire you for stepping up and making sure that your mother is well taken care of in spite of the fact that she didn’t do that for you.
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