The best of times I had with my little (half) sister, and my Mom were during the two years my adopted stepdad was overseas on an aircraft carrier during the 70's.
I got to play, spend time in the kitchen, talk to my mother and sister, and stay up late.
My mother now lives in a bubble of her own making, and I don't know if she even realizes how much she lies to herself and to those around her. Maybe it's on purpose so she doesn't have to admit that she didn't protect me from a monster. She even joined forces with him against me. I will probably never know, as even though I've made huge strides in myself over the years in the status of my Mental, Emotional and Physical Health she and others including my 2 (now adult) children refuse to talk with me about anything - if they even do that.
My son has made the effort to, and I have to commend him for that. I miss the connection we once had and still exists, but he keeps at arms length.

My mother gave birth to my half...