I have three brothers. I was the only girl. I could do no wrong with my father. I was always a daddy's girl. I only remember one spanking I got from him, and I knew, at the time, I deserved it. It was different with my mom. She was always beating me until the last time when I stood still without moving or crying out while she was using the belt on me. That was the last time she put a hand to me. I think I was in 9th grade.

I was never allowed to do the same things my brothers were allowed to do, and I rebelled some. I ended moving out right after I turned 18. I graduated without seeing my parents there although I found out later, they were.

It was off and on until the day she died. She always seemed to prefer her sons over me even in her final months of life. I was "just a girl".