Powerful piece. Brings to mind someone I love who hasn't been able to put aside an anger that stretches back to childhood. She puts up the walls. She judges and resents. And yet, she is a victim, because she has lost so many friends, so many contacts, even relatives because she can't let go of that anger.

I try to understand. It's hard to be around her, because she is hurtful, and yet I see that she is suffering from her own actions. She is mostly alone now. All I can do is leave the door open. It's really sad. She is going to be 81 this year, and still a difficult childhood haunts her and destroys relationships.

I think your story is not unique to your family. That universal element gives it power.