Dave69
Hi,
I really hope you are checking these forums and that you read this. I was physically and emotionally abused by my parents and an older brother and an older sister. Thaey did a lot worse than what you have admitted to here. It would mean the world to me if they would come to me and admit what they did wrong and tell me that they were sorry for what they did. It would also please me greatly to know that they don't feel bad for what they did, because I love them deeply. Bot h mt brother and sister are considered "disabled" and draw disability checks. They suffer with alcoholism and drug addiction and they are failing miserably in life. I am certain, I hope, that they are messed up because of guilt, but I also beleive that they are still suffering from the negative programming and neglect of my parents. I am not mad at them anymore but I od still hurt inside because I want reconcilliation. Is that all you did to them? Have you went to them and asked for their forgiveness, and admitted what you did? DO they love you and have they forgiven you? I think the fact that you have remorse is a good thing. Have you let this be known to them? For my brother and sister, my brother continues, despite my efforts to forgive him, to cause pain and wreak havoc in my family. He even went as far as sexually assaulting my wife a few years ago and i haven't spoken to him in years. I have heard that he was trying to get off drugs and alcohol and go back to school and make something of his life but just yesterday i learned he has slipped back down again and I feel so sorry for him. I don't want him to suffer. My sister wasn't as bad as him, probably about like you, a little worse maybe, but I know that she screamed at her own kids and there were a lot of bumps in her life and now she sits in her house for months on end, as have I, and she is messed up. Let them know you are sorry and study forgiveness both for others and yourself. It's not easy. I am reading this book called The People of The Lie by M. Scott Peck and he states that we create our own hell, and the path out is at your command, if you are willing to take the risk, and risk being uncomfortable, risk admitting your shortcomings, and choosing to do so for the good of yourself and others.
I hope this helps, and I hope you read this.
Sincerely,
Dave