Hi Karin,
This is an honest, beautiful, and profound piece of writing. Thank you for sharing it.
Surviving is indeed a huge feat, more so for some than others. We often discredit ourselves for this achievement. I admire your insight into this concept.
I, too, know the feeling of growing up without knowing what true love means; Although, I was able to communicate with my parents, what I received from them was constant criticism or negligence. Recovering from this trauma is one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do, and I, on many levels, am still working on it.
I am so glad that you are being there for yourself and sharing your pain via writing. I wish you all the best for your journey of self-improvement.
Thanks,
Debdutta