This was a very brave write, Leonard, and despite my happy, poor, childhood, I feel your pain.

I feel it because my grandmother (okay let's include my grandfather) were never there for her.

Not once did I ever see her, or my grandfather, help my mother out, and believe me, she needed it.

Their devotion was to church. Imagine that!

It may have been that that was usual for the times, but personally I don't believe that to be a human reaction. You help because it's the right thing to do. Building up spiritual castles happens naturally when you step out to do what is right..