Truth is Paul, there are no perfect parents out there. no parent can be a parent without making mistakes along the way. We learn to be parents while we parent. We do the best that we can. that's all anyone can do really.
It sounds like your mother is extremely remorsefull for whatever it was that hurt her children. She's admitting that she did some things wrong and that's a very huge step for her. Calling her would be a very good idea.
One day you will be able to put it all behind you and everything will be and feel different. :wink: