This topic brings tears to my eyes.. Reading through the posts brings more tears - sounds like lots of respect building happened right here! Thanks for the tread.
I feel like I have been climbing up the ladder of self love and self respect for about 40 years (since my teens).. For a few years in my 20's I used to write the affirmation "I am worthy" for pages in my journal.. Somehow I came into adulthood feeling like I was in the back of the line to nowhere.
You sound like a wonderful and loving person. Way to go with your kids, your sobriety and your big hearted honesty. You are worthy, and wonderful and no doubt beautiful!
:ghug3