[Andrew, Jr.]

One of my niece's got married this past weekend. It was wonderful because I had time to see and visit with my other nieces and nephews. They each hang on me like little monkeys. I love it! They are my pride and joy.

The one thing I have to say is that each one came to me and talked in length about their grandfather's abuse of their parent (mother or father who is my sibling). Each one told me stories about growing up with the after-effects. It really does affect each one differently. The two themes that was obvious throughout was our father's control and abuse issues if he didn't get his way. It was horrible. And the kids sensed this.

So for those who think it stops when you are out of the home, or away from the abuser, no. And all of us who have lived thru abuse, no matter what kind it was, are more in tune with reality than those who never did.