And the moral of *my* story is that (blood) family can not only be a bunch of bass-ackwards idjits, vultures, self-obsessed, narcissistic fools... they can be clueless and downright hurtful.

Things "sound the same" to people who don't listen with their hearts, dearest. You're most definitely unique, extremely talented, and beautiful.

And, for the record, my opinion counts more than theirs because I wield the Poohstick of Authority. So NYAH on them. ;)

(((hugs and smooches))) You matter very much to me, love.