I had an interesting conversation with my mom last night, in which she expressed her feelings of guilt over my situation.

She said she felt guilty that I was trans, guilty that she didn't stop my abuse, guilty about how my stepfather treated me.

I tried to explain that not only were some of those no fault of hers whatsoever, even what part she did play isnt worth feeling guilty over. I told her it was easy to look back with 20/20 hindsight, and say you'd do things differently, but ultimately its useless to do so.

I don't know if I got through to her, but at least I made the case.

Now, if I can only get myself to listen to my own advice ...