SerenityLake, it seems that having a mother figure or perhaps an emotional figure is so important. I'm not sure how important a mother figure is. I've read a story or two where a child lacked a mother figure but because they're father was so emotionally supportive, the child turned out okay.

I guess it depends when the mother vacates; at what time of development. I'm certain that the reason my speech was fully delayed until aged 3 was because my mother left at a time where I needed her most. Maybe the child in me simply shut down in response. How much of the trauma or hurt still remains, remains to be seen..