That all sounds really tough @EM26 and I regret to say that I can relate to most of it.

years ago I was in Barcelona during the Olympic Games sleeping in the floor of a school (cheap accommodation) and where I slept was right near several telephones, prior to everyone having a mobile.

Due to the time difference and the number of people ringing overseas I was privy to many interesting conversations. 

Whenever the Americans phoned home they would always tell their families how much they loved them. People from other countries rarely did and I remember feeling quite touched by the love being communicated. When we were out with a group one day I asked a girl from Norway if she thought much of how Americans spoke and she said her parents had never told her they loved her but she never doubted they did.

I’m sure your family all love you and it’s hard when our adult kids don’t tell us they love us. You are not a nothing and you’re not Muriel but  I hear your pain. It’s hard being a mum / wife and it can be ver thankless at times.

Here to support you 💚