My Mother Called Me “Damaged Goods” at My Sister’s Baby Shower—Then My Five Children Walked Through the Door

every family system in existence.

Fear.

Fear creates silence.

Fear creates spectators.

Fear creates people who know better but say nothing.

“I understand,” I said.

And I did.

That didn’t make it okay.

But I understood.

Lily touched her stomach.

“She’s already planning everything.”

“Who?”

“Mom.”

I sighed.

Of course.

“The nursery.”

Lily laughed bitterly.

“The baptism.continue reading …