Acceptance Is Easy When You Don't Have a Choice

I grew up in an alcoholic environment, the youngest of five boys, with two younger sisters. My self-esteem was zero when I was growing up. I always felt different. I always felt less than my friends and classmates. At an age barely tall enough to look over the kitchen table, I saw my family playing cards, drinking, and laughing, and I decided I wanted to be just like that. Everybody seemed to be having a good time.