I never had this. Never experienced it once...ever.

Conclusions:

1) There's more to an abusive childhood than the inclusion of violence.

2) My suspicions and theories that this sort of "normal family" exists, is further supported.

Me either, I suspect that family exists, but I've never seen them.

I'd probably freak out if anyone I considered family started acting like that.

My uncle's family is/was like that. They invited me to their home for christmas and I was honored to witness what a "real" family is like.

I feel for you, Still, and I share your conclusions.

Seeing the picture only makes me feel uncomfortable - like there must be something else going on. There is no way I would ever have gotten (or will get) that close to any member of my own family. Neither of my parents ever laughed like those people are, their smiles were always bitter or angry.

Like Magellan, in my case my partner's family have opened their arms to me and have allowed me to experience what life should be like.

Still,

I have no photos of myself after the CSA. Its as if I ceased to exist. But I do have beautiful pictures of my own children with me and their Mom. The miracle is they have all turned out well despite having me for a father. Its one good thing thats happened in my life.

Jude

Jude,

I bet you made or helped those "good things" to "happen." Congratulations.

Geoff

I never had this (see photo above) either, and I'll bet not many of us did. My dad died when I was a toddler, my mom was distant and never re-married--no wonder I made such an enticing target for that perv.

But at this point, wishing my life was now very different is like wishing I didn't have my wife and kids, who are the greatest joys in my life.

John

"All you can do with your past is try to grow out of it. --Kevin Hearne, "Tricked"