[eddie willers]

a threat reinforced by frequent beatings for every other glass of spilled milk

My father was this way towards me.
Although it's true that many children that suffer through this type of behavior come away with a resolve that "I will never be like that" and follow through (I'm proof) the evidence is, sadly, that most child abusers were themselves abused.

Your example was particularly poignant to me because a few years before my father died, we were eating in a restaurant and a child at another table knocked over his drink his parents were angry and started yelling.

My father said:

"You know, when you were little I acted the same way. But I was with David the other day (my nephew... his grandson) and he spilt his milk and I just laughed and ordered him another one.

I don't know why I reacted that way with you.
Doesn't seem important now."

That's as close to an apology as my father could possibly grant.
And it was graciously accepted!

After 40 years, we finally became father and son.

[MeekOneGOP]

.....After 40 years, we finally became father and son.

Pardon me for butting in, but I just happened to be passing by. Thanks for sharing that story....