Becca,
What an interesting past! I can't imagine choosing my own religion at 12, you must have been really mature for your age.
I really wish I would have had the freedom to think openly at that age, I don't think I would struggle as much as I do now.
Thanks for sharing it.
I understand about the in-laws thing. Even though I don't tell them everything, I consider my Mom IN law to be closer to me than my own mother. The other day, she was sick (mil) and I had a realization that I would be DEVASTATED if something happened to her. She is important to my daily life.
I guess blood isn't always as thick as water, is it?