A very intense experience. In a whirlwind of emotions like the one you went through, you made yourself a better person to move forward. I'm happy for you!!!

I have learned to be grateful for it all. My father was intense. But now he has been gone a long time, he took his own life. And I have done a lot of work to understand my life path better. I used to feel like a victim to things he did. Now I realize that he helped me become a strong resilient man. And I can see how hurt he was and how hard he had it. I have only gratitude for him. I wouldn't change a thing. So grateful. 

DesertDave

This is true wisdom: learn from other people's mistakes and don't make them yourself.

7e6e393a56

alter_native

Tough love or compassionate teacher? What actually works?

That's true. Indifference is the worst. My father was really tough. And my tennis couch. I definitely learned a lot. But a big part of what I learned was how I didn't want to be with my own kids. Sometimes there is probably a place for tough love. 