It felt like I joined you for Christmas. This was so beautifully written and I could feel my heart expand as I read it, but what you wrote at the end hit me like a gust of wind because it was exactly what I’d been thinking. My brother also sent me a heartfelt message after he watched a video I sent to him of my children blowing out candles on the Christmas cake. He said, “Tracy I think you’re one of the most loving mothers I know. And if that’s partly because of our parents’ shortcomings, then it’s a gift to us.” It took me until now to realize that we are gifts to ourselves! I was contemplating on that all day today and reading your story just gets me in the feels. I feel joy for you, too! Thank you for sharing. Thank you for writing. And thank you for being you ♡ Give Jernee a hug for me!!