Elements of this resonate with me because of my mum. I so hated her for so many years after I was put into care. But in the end I got closer before she died thanks to my (half-)brother. But still now it's all mixed emotions when I think of her. Especially after I ended up with my own addiction issues, I used to blame them on her too which was totally unfair I know.

Hugs to all of you - I can feel for what you're going through.

I am sorry.

My mother wasn't an addict but she very much put me in similar position in life. And I won't discuss the details, I have done that enough. But I want to say is that as someone who couldn't have any childhood I really appreciate what you're doing for your friend and the genuine care and empathy you experience towards her. Not many people allow themselves to experience this type of hurt along someone else.

Thank you for being there for her during these times. And I wish you and her family peace. You need it.

I'm so sorry for your loss. So many mixed emotions. Sounds like yr Aunt made many bad choices and its so sad her children suffered so much.
Your cousin will be so grateful for your support. At the moment, all you can do is be let her know you are there for her if and when she needs you...and i'm sure she will....hugs to you all. X

😐 sorry to hear all that.. I've heard horror stories of foster care places .. maybe official orphanages systems would be better than foster care idk it’s sad when people cant have a safe and happy childhood.. i know there’s good foster parents out there but some of them aren't and shouldn't be allowed to have kids 😳 probably if she had had a better childhood she would have been a more responsible mother instead of an addict but who knows 😐 sorry for your friend’s loss of a mother before she ever died.. she was gone to her drug habit 🤐 it’s hard dealing with addictions and addicts sometimes i wonder if some addicts should be forced into rehab against their will just so they can live.. 😳 maybe the police can start a rehab fund for addicts with all the money they confiscate from dealers.. it’s only fair i think.. sorry I'm going off subject 😬😳

I too feel angry at my late sister she had Orthorexia Nervosa (opposite to Obeisity). Your cousin (and u) might start whispering to aunt as if she's there, asking u question and u answer / correct her as if she still there.

But my sister got to see me get my own home and my son (first born) before she foolishly died. It was an over 20 year pure healthy eating and not living with the world.

Seems like with some folks, we grief their loss before their deaths, and their deaths are represent only the final step of loss. My mother, who had a long, mostly good life, completely lost her mental function about two months before she died. I grieved during those two months, and her death hit me, but it was also a relief.

@SlippingAway 🤔irrespective of aunties personal issues she always has been and always auntie to you and my deepest sympathy for your loss

So sorry for your loss

And it's not very long; thanks for writing this.

Sorry for your loss stay strong and try to remember the good times

Wow...how incredibly awful and what a strange and sad life she had...

But still, I'm sorry.

So sad, wasn’t easy for any of you