Thank you for reading and for leaving this comment. I am in awe of what people are able to do while also being full-time plus caregivers. And doing so while enduring any type of abuse...it's a terrible road. I'm sure you are still processing--PTSD isn't just resolved in a minute.

What's shocking to me is how many people think this won't happen to them, or who haven't even thought about it at all.

My desire to not live long enough to follow my mother's trajectory has led me to neglect my own health. I have not yet started struggling with my words but I'm definitely stress- and emotion-eating and it's not good. Regardless of where my kids end up I don't want or expect them to care for me.