Bill it would just be a whole new kind of hurt if they came right out and said it. I know. When my af was in treament he admitted proudly that he favored and loved my sister. Yes it can also fuel a deserved hatred and that is another big ole ball o wax that can snowball. I hope you can do away with the need to hear it for your own sake.
When my parents would tell me later that they loved me it was of no value at all. Meaningless.