When turned 4, I didn't see them at all during the week, but only for a few hours on the weekend.
This continued until I was 12. When I was 12, I was moved to a different state.
I saw my parents 2 times from when I was 12 until I was 16.
After I turned 16 I saw them once a year, until I left the Church.
When I lay it out like that, it is freakin shocking!
I am so sorry that your childhood was like this Jenna. It is very shocking.
It is appalling that Scientology justifies this as being "normal", by what standard i wonder?
Comparing it to boarding school, i don't think so. Also i wonder if Scientology has actually talked to kids that went to boarding school. Some i know of hated it and felt abandoned by their parents.
I find it very hard to understand the Scientology mindset where by childrens lives are considered second to Scientology. I cannot understand how a parent does not see their child for such long periods, especially in their younger years. It dosen't bare thinking about.
I hope that you have some kind of a relationship with your parents now, although it can never make up for what you missed out on as a child. I don't know what else to say except that i hope with all my heart you are leading a much happier life now that you are out of Scientology.
For all the crimes that Scientology, LRH and DM have committed, to me the most unforgivable one is the crimes and abuse of the Scientology children.
All the very best to you Jenna, may your life now be a happy one.
Love
Sharone
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WzE9Fzbrx3w