That experience made you a stronger person today

 

but it also conditioned you with reflexes which may be triggered today.

Do you want your actions today controlled by your rational thoughts?  Or, you want them to be influenced by the reflexes conditioned by circumstances of so many years ago and no longer exist?

The unfair treatment you received was largely the product of that era.  Many had it much worse.  Put it into perspective, forgiving becomes easier.  By forgiving, you free yourself.

Sure, if you want to blame someone for your present-day unhappiness, you can ignore above.  It takes courage to be responsible for your own happiness.

(Your vivid description brought many tears.  That sugar must have tasted really good.  Feelings of a child at that age is much more intense.)