At first glance at the title, I didn't want to read it after my recent incident of being locked in a bathroom. But Michelle, I could put myself in your shoes as the little girl with the heavy backpack and how helpless you must have felt. Cathy's excessive cleaning habit reminded of my mother and her obsession with a clean house as a way to control the things she could. Ugh! No kid should have to go through that kind of insecurity. I am so glad you are able to write about it and are finding ways for that inner child to heal from all these wounds. It's so important! And you are breaking the patterns with your girls, so again, kudos to you my friend! Hugs!