We certainly are. And own that. Because for most of my teenage years it was just me. And I became a survivor. Not a victim. Sympathy and pity still make me angry- even if well intentioned.

I think it took the birth of my granddaughters to finally soften my armor and 20 years of yoga to forgive myself for not being able to save her.

Because that’s the other thing we feel — the responsibility of All. The. Things. And a need to control whatever we can in our rudderless world.

I’m so glad you found a mother person. In my life I had stood in as a proxy a few times for some whose mothers were emotionally MIA.

The other truth in Life is that it takes a village — a tribe. And it’s never too late to find yours.

My dearest Deb — May you feel my love and caring in this moment. And with every step of your life may you always find The Mothers. 💜