Justhuman,
Reading your post just made my heart ache. There was a post somewhere on here about the Five Stages of Grief. When we wake up, it's almost like being re-born. We have to start over, without our "mother" telling us what to do constantly. It is a painful process. I woke up when I was around 33, also. I've done all the crying about all those lost years that I can do. I'm tired of crying over it.
Look around and find at least one positive thing and focus on that. You've gotten some good advice on this thread. I have nothing much to offer except my support. I do at least understand how you feel.
I really wish they could be held accountable for all those of us who were born into that mess.
I would go to college if I could figure out what I wanna be when I grow up.