liberty47 said:
<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'> I guess I just wanted to thank-you all so much for all your support, I didn't realise people could be so understanding, I really didn't. So, thank-you so much.
As I continue reading all your stories I’ve begun to realize it really isn't just me, this is a reality for many people that they face everyday.
I'm about to ask you all something that I’ve had on my mind since I can remember, I’m not sure if there's even an answer but here goes, 'why or what do you think it is that causes parents to act this way?' I mean for me, my greatest fear will be that I’ll turn out like my mother, there I said it. So, I want to try and understand what it is, so I can be aware of it.
Anyhow, I guess I just wanted to thank-you all for saying you'll be there. I understand that when we tell our stories we probably leave a good chunk out, I know I do. Maybe it’s too hard to talk about, or maybe you just don't want to remember, I think I’m beginning to understand that. I wanted to tell anyone and everyone reading that it's alright to speak up on this forum. I have got my own problems, so I might be a little opinionated at times, but if you want to talk, I’m always here to listen.
Thanks for everyone’s support, it means a lot. </span>
First of all, if you haven't already met me, I'm Mandi and I'm 14. My entire life, my parents never abused me, I mean for disiplinary reasons I would get spanked. You know when I did something bad or was being too loud or something. And yes, a few times I was hit with a wooden cooking spoon because it was the closest thing around. Yes, it hurt, and yes, I cried, but I don't believe my parents were trying to abuse me, just teach me a lesson. They don't do it anymore, because since I'm older I don't really get into trouble anymore. but to this day when we look back on it they still say that it hurt them more than it hurt me. And I have to say that until I heard what Jo just said, I took everything in life for granted. All the times we ate together as an entire family, all the happy holidays we shared, family vacations, going shopping all day just me and my mom, and staying up late watching movie with my dad that we only share a love for. Yes, I always tell them I love them, everytime they leave the house. But I always took the simple things for granted. I guess before I start I just want to apologize for that and to say that I don't feel like that anymore.
liberty, after listening to your story, I was touched and I think it helped me understand you better as a person. Your caring, your loving, and your just an innocent person standing around getting tormented because of your mother's insecurities. That's really what I think causes it, insecurities. You didn't do anything wrong. Maybe your mother doesn't feel good enough about herslelf and she knows that she has control over you, and she hits you and treats you this way to boost her own self esteem. It might make her feel more powerful, like she's in charge. If her life is going badly, maybe it makes her feel like she is in control of something. I don't know if that's right or not, but that's just what I think.
And one other thing: After hearing your story and the way you told it, I can assure you that you will NEVER become your mother. Just remember who you are, and even when things are going bad, make the best of everything. The only other thing that I can say is to trust in God. If know one else is your friend, he will be. God is always there for you, always. He's everywhere you go. Pray. Prayer possesses the greatest power against everything evil in life. And even though you think no one hears your prayers, God does. And when you feel like no one loves you, God loves you. He loves you so much that he sent his only son to die on a cross for you. And remember that I love you all too. And if you need to talk I'm here. I'm sorry if I'm sharing a little too much, you know, my story and my religion and all. But my love for God is what has kept me going when things get hard. God Bless You All!