Dear So and So

[Crankin]

I am sorry you have to go through this, Oak. Most people just don't get it on this particular topic. And most people don't do or say anything, either. My own MIL told me my DH must "have a psychological problem" because of the stuff he told me about his childhood. OK, and you watched your husband abuse 4 kids...
One thing I know for sure, is that kids don't lie about this stuff and from my perspective in the field, abuse/neglect of any kind is the root of about 75% of all mental health issues.

[indysteel]

((((Oak)))). How awful. I so feel for you and your sister. We have a white elephant of child abuse in my own family. I'm sorry you've had to endure this.

[Catrin]

Oakleaf, I am so sorry that you were faced with this. As Indy put it so well, my family also has that same white elephant (part of the reason I am so far from my family and rarely go home)...continuing to send many hugs and warm thoughts your way during this very hard time.

[Crankin]

Yes, and this was part of the reason we moved 2800 miles away from DH's family.
And some people think we were cold about the fact that my FIL died a horrible death from Lewy Body Disease.

[Pax]

((((Oak)))) Thinking of you.

[redrhodie]

(((Oak))) it always amazes me when someone so good comes from such a bad place.

[Owlie]

(((Oak)))

ETA:
Dear friend's dad:

Using your daughter's single complaint/observation about her pet(s) as an excuse to rehome them within two days is not cool. I think you're just showing your own dislike for her animals and using her comment to justify it, dressing it up as helping her. You did this first with the parrot she raised from a chick, and not six months later with her cat. I'm surprised that you haven't yet found an excuse to get rid of the other parrot. She very much benefits from the animal companionship--it helps with the depression you refuse to recognize.

Grr.