Kay, this was a super powerful read. I feel grateful to have been able to learn more about your childhood and upbringing and I agree that historical context is important.
You are spot on that it’s all about learning how to do better with what we know now.
After reading your story and thinking back on my own the big differentiator when it comes to healing is not just acknowledging that there were many things wrong with the past but that those responsible had learned they were wrong and they apologized.
The problem lies in when the perpetrators of abuse don’t feel remorse and don’t have the ability to reflect of their own shortcomings and mistakes and refuse to acknowledge they were wrong, despite the truth that times were different then.