I have always known that I came from an abusive home.  My mom was very abusive and my dad was an alcoholic.  I just found out that my mom's sister was also very abusive to her childern and that indeed, my mom and her sister were very disturbed as children.  They abused animals and even burnt cats.  I knew that my mom was seriously disturbed but when I found this out, it both took my breath away and also validated what I had been through.  I always felt like my mom was trying to destroy me and I felt like she hated me.  I never understood why.  I did not grow up to be mean at all but I did grow up to lack self-esteem and I suffered from depression and bipolar.  So many things make sense to me now.  I just thought I would share my story.  Having said all of this, heaven only knows what my mom and aunt went through as children......abuse is a horrible thing...Pam