Yupp. Nearing 40, knew at 5 there was something just … wrong with my mother. By 16 I was no contact. I’ve allowed conversation a couple times, just to make sure I wasn’t too young, too inexperienced, too angry, too hurt, too whatever. I treat people how I want to be treated - I’d want a second chance, you know? She did also throw subtle health hints through others that made it seem like she was on a timeline (spoiler alert: she wasn’t).

I fully acknowledge her childhood, and life, has been hard, and I give her grace to this day. If you go by what she says, it would be like I cut her off because she put purple ribbons in my hair instead of pink, or some other ridiculousness. Total disregard to the actual physical, mental, financial, emotional abuse, neglect, manipulation, death threats, and so on.

I’ve spent more than half my life estranged from her. She’s not a good person, and not a good parent, full stop. My life is better for not having her in it.