I timed it perfectly, and saw my niece and nephew (sister's, not brother's fam) in btwn the services. I was able to hug them before the adults could

protest; but it was sadly all I was able to do, aside from say I loved them and that they looked beautiful.

My mother tried to "feebly" eke out a "Hi, Britt"..I just walked past she, my sister, and brother in law. She knows exactly what she did and does to me and those kids, and that she hasn't earned the right to call me a nickname!!

But I will never stop showing up for my littles in any way I can, while preserving my sanity from abuse. Staying behind for this Christmas Eve service...sucks to be alone, but it's somethin'.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I love y'all deeply, deeply.