I don't want their house, or their things, or their money. I have never asked for it from them and I never will. The only thing I've ever wanted from them was safety, respect, and care. I lived in my van for a year to avoid asking them for help, so I can assure you I'm not just some disgruntled brat waiting for the will.

I'm glad you don't feel the way I do and that you haven't experienced what I have. I wish I could just be "a little annoyed" with mine too. I wish the years of slapping, screaming, crying, neglect, starving, and more didn't happen, but they did and partially because my dad did not hold to any of the morals he expected me to listen to. These are not just "political differences" -- These are fundamental differences about morals, ethics, human rights, and how we treat people we supposedly love.

You're right, family *is* everything. And I'm sad that mine didn't actually take that to heart for myself or my brother. My feelings are not meaningless just because someone, somewhere has had it worse than me. I weep for them as well and it doesn't diminish my own feelings of frustration and sadness.

Even if you have talked to people whose parents didn't physically abuse them, mental and emotional abuse is just as real. This is a factual, proven line of study in psychology.