I'm sorry for what you went through too, newhope.
I hope 2019 can be the year you can let all that go tho.
The pain and the mistreatment was bad enough without us re living it over and over again. It's an immense burden to carry.
I hope your nieces experience will be different - but, unless you have proof of abuse or maltreatment that you could take to the authorities, I think realistically all you can do this year is pray about that.
Congrats on your sober time.
Not drinking gave me the clarity and courage to see what I needed to do, newhope.
I got sober and gathered a new family around - one who respect me, value me, and want me around. I wish that for you too.
I hope you find something meaningful to do over Xmas - maybe here's a volunteering opportunity in your neighbourhood?
You could make someone else Xmas better, and in doing so make yours better too?
D