Finally being able to a call, a thing! My God, what a relief! I’ve felt the crippling feeling of guilt, shame and misguided love my entire life. The kind of feelings that make you question whether you’re worth anything at all. And it all wouldn’t be possible without my mother.

My mother, an undiagnosed BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), has wreaked havoc in my life since as long as I can remember.

How can the person whose supposed to love you and hold you and reassure you that the outside world is cruel — not the inside — hurt you so badly and so intentionally?

When the feeling of your mother’s embrace is something that you want to badly but when it happens it feels like a thousand and one lies. A constant game of bait and switch, where her only happiness comes when she’s provoking anger and proving that everyone is inherently evil.

I write this passage tonight because I’m going through therapy and need a release. Because as I learn more about this mental illness and hear stories of the countless who have suffered at the hands of a mother with BPD — I need to acknowledge my feelings.

A symptom of a child with a BPD parent is that they learn to hide how they really feel — for fear that it may upset the parent. I can’t hold it in any longer. I have to say what’s on my heart so that it can begin to heal.

I’m not sure if I love her. I can most definitely say that I didn’t learn love from her — not the true, authentic love. If anything it’s been anger and pity all mixed into one. I’m not sure if she’s ever truly loved me at all. My therapist stated that she could hate me. She said that individuals with BPD are thieves that steal love.

My hope and wish is to constantly remind myself that I will feel better one day and to rely on my inner strength, self-worth, friendships and self-love. I’ll start with releasing the guilt of being responsible for my childhood and remember all that I’m grateful for.

1. A great education that allows me to earn an income and not be dependent on a BPD mother.
2. The ability to love and empathize with people even if I’ve never been in their situation.
3. The ability to think before I speak and apologize when my actions are hurtful.
4. The ability to sing and act and dance and draw and paint.
5. My great friendships that have lasted me 10+ years with some really amazing people who love me no matter what.
6. A father who has always been my greatest supporter and best hug giver and advice giver.
7. My love of people and animals and travel and chocolate.
8. The love of a God who gave me the strongest test because He knows I have a purpose (still trying to find it).
9. An able body, mind and soul that can rationalize, reason and love.
10. An eye for design and good taste.
11. The ability to tune out the negative and focus on the positive.
12. My persistence and ability to plan and negotiate.
13. The love of an extraordinary girl named Michelle — a woman that makes me feel that even the worst part of me is never as bad I see it.
14. For all 50 states making it legal to marry. Woohoo!
15. For Broadway, Opera, Pop Music, Indie, Festivals, Concerts, 50s Music.