Likely, the skills you learn along the way and the emotional growth will mean that if and when your child reconnects, you are best placed not to mess it up. But it's best not to make that your goal. Look within for you. For you. For your better, happier life.

For if and when your estranged child decides to walk through your door, keep it open. Your grown-up child will find a way to return when they are ready. But no parent will want to turn it into a blame session, even if there is a good reason to. Throwing your pain back at 'the source' is unproductive and will send them running.

Given the amount of time spent in employment, the time is surely better spent in a meaningful way, and adding meaning to the lives of others