I am the youngest of 7 children. Lived in a tiny house in a room I had to share with 3 of my sisters. My three brothers shared a room that you could hardly fit one bed in. My parents worked so much that I was practically raised by my eldest sister - I called her Mom as a kid.

Always had food on my plate and clothes on my back but never had any emotional connection with my mother and developed severe anxiety and chronic insomnia. Was never allowed to cry or complain. Or I'd be shouted at. My parents physically fought eachother all the time. We were never encouraged to go to college. My brothers got into crime to try and get themselves out of poverty and it cost them their lives.

I forgive my parents but I will never repeat this cycle.