Holiday Drama! woo hoo!!!

[Briarmom]

Forget the Holiday Drama Sub-forum, we need a jfoofj Family Drama Sub-Forum.

Awesome post.

 

[rie'smom]

Hmmmmmmmmm let's see... family drama......

WELL, I won't be spending any time w/ one side of the family... let me see if you would... we have:

Auntie Extortion- she stole over $30,000.00 from another family member. She divorced her husband and took all his money, too, I think he is ok with that just to be rid of her.

Auntie Hypochondriac- hasn't met a germ she hasn't caught, ever, and she has had surgeries and heart attacks no one has any memory of her ever having. She is probably in her glory over the H1N1 crisis. Her husband is a saint, but he is partially deaf which explains a lot.

Auntie Ladle- she's not happy unless she is stirring up some drama, any drama. Her husband is also a saint, but I think alcohol has a lot to do with it.

Uncle "I'm here and I'm queer"- we get it. We knew for years, before you ever told us. We loved you then, still love you now. Take of the silly pin!

Yes, my mother is their sibling, and while she would probably be called Auntie Neurotic, she is my mom and I can't really bash her. Much.

They can be a pretty toxic crew to be around, so I avoid it at all costs.

Ok... so let's see... the other side of the family... we have:

Drunkel D- he hasn't had a sober day in at least 20 years. In fact, he is no longer invited to weddings/christenings/other events after he punched my brother OUT COLD at a wake... he apparently though my brother someone else. Who owed him money. Whooops. No wife that he knows of, and one son that he knows of.

Uncle White Bread- he puts the normal in normal. Perfect. American. Family. My brother and I are convinced he is a spy for the KGB. His wife is a school teacher and she knits. Precious!

Auntie Husband Stealer- how she is always involved with someone who is "almost divorced" amazes me. Obviously no husband, well, not hers at least.

Auntie Smartie Pants- She has her PhD. Did I mention she has her PhD? She is smarter than everyone on the planet, and she will use really big words to tell you that 10 different times and maybe even in Russian. No time for a husband, and she is far too smart for that nonsense.

Auntie Cat Lady- self explanatory, but I LOVE cats so I totally respect that. She is really great to those cats, I think they her life insurance beneficiaries. No husband, but I think being a cat lady precludes that.

And yes, my Dad, is related to all of them, but I find my Dad to be incredibly normal, so he is probably a co-spy with Uncle White Bread. My stepmom is a nurse, and while she doesn't knit, she sews. Precious.


I won't even get into my cousins. Seriously, I could write a book. Oh, wait, I am!!!! Most of my family will probably never speak to me again if it ever gets published, though, because I rely on them HEAVILY for a lot of my inspiration.

SO, Thanksgiving this year will be w/ DH's family and Christmas I am having an open house.... whoever wants to come, come, and whoever doesn't, don't. So much easier that way. They are all invited.... heck, we're family!

This is probably the number 1 best DIS post ever!!! I love that you can see the DISfunction all over the place. Y'all must have one heck of a family get together. I needed a laugh in the worst way-thank-you.

 

[jfoofj]

This is probably the number 1 best DIS post ever!!! I love that you can see the DISfunction all over the place. Y'all must have one heck of a family get together. I needed a laugh in the worst way-thank-you.

Yes, our family get togethers are quite interesting at times, we really should film them! It is a big family and everyone has a strong opinion and no one is ever wrong and no one is quiet, ever. Especially my Grampy, he is always right. However, the night my cousin was supposedly possessed by the devil I found him in the front parlor with his shoulders shaking up and down. I thought he was crying, and went to comfort him. He turned to me and I realized he was actually laughing and he said "Your cousin is ****ing nuts." This is all the while my Nana was under hospice care in their bedroom. He said that she told him she wanted to die in her own bed surrounded by her family, and she did, chaos, drama, devil possesions and all. I dont' think she would have wanted it any other way. She truly had her whole family there, warts and all, and I'm sure she was so happy.

The thing with family is, no one is ever the perfect family you see in the Norman Rockwell picture. We have issues, stuff happens, things get complicated, but those pictures are the most beautiful pictures of all because they are of who we REALLY ARE.

 

[jfoofj]

Forget the Holiday Drama Sub-forum, we need a jfoofj Family Drama Sub-Forum.

Awesome post.

You are SO invited to Thanksgiving, Christmas, AND New Year's. I kid you not..... my family has a huge open door policy for "strays" so there are always extra seats at the table. Come, experience, it is a life experience!

 

[ksjayhawks]

Our dd, sil, dgd7, dgs4 are flying in from CA for the holidays. My dh wants to pile all of us--the above 4, ds17, he, and I-- in the van and drive 6 hours (which includes gas stop, potty breaks, meal stop) to visit his parents (GPs) in their tiny one bedroom apt for 3 hours.

There is one guest room in the retirement place they live and I am sure it is already booked. It is a small town, so the one hotel has maybe 15 rooms. GPs have no toys for the kids to play with, seating for 5, she doesn't cook hardly anymore as they get two meals a day and leftovers for the third, never has treats, snacks or soda on hand; will fuss that the kids must be quiet so that they don't disturb anyone . . . Can you imagine how antsy 2 little ones will be after that trip???

Asked dh what we would do if there was no place to stay. His answer--drive back that night! Yes, drive 6 hours up for a 3 hour visit, then 6 hours back in the same day in the midwest in winter with unpredictable weather and two little ones and me--who per doctors orders, has to get out and walk every two hours for a few minutes. Sounds like fun, huh?

Dh doesn't think it will be a problem. I told him to talk about it with dd. I have given her the heads up and she is "what is dad thinking?" Plus it cuts into the plans we have made. It would do away with 2 days at least of our vacation time which is precious to us.

Only one who wants to go is dh--ds and dd could care less as GPs were always too busy to come to their activities unless it suited them (actually did the same to dh when he was growing up). For dd it happened the year GPs decided to spend XMAS day with bil, his wife and gkids (out of college at the time and not coming to their parents until after XMAS day) when dd was still in hs and ds was a toddler. Her reason--we see you all the time (huh?) and I need to spend time with gk1 and 2 at XMAS--it is only fair, etc. Yeah, fair that they got you for all their XMASes through high school, but not dd and ds? DD was the one who brought this up to her; Grandma came to me to get me to talk to dd and said that they didn't spend all the xmases with gk1/2 through high school, dd should be respectful and on and on. She finally shut up when I told her dd was right and did she want me to get out the pictures?? That was also the year my dad was dying and dd needed to have her GPs dote on her, but they were too busy with their other plans. (There is a lot more about the favortism shown gk1 and 2, but won't get into that. Luckily all the gks get along great in spite of it.)

But they went because that is what they wanted to do and of course, if THEY wanted it, they do it and then we are all to forget about it and go on as they live in the moment when it works for them and dig up and dish out all past grievances against the rest of us when we don't do what they want or gasp, disagree! I was supposed to take my time to get them to the airport to go--I taught school and dh was in retail as a store manager so couldn't get away to take them--at the time they wanted to go. Didn't happen.

The GP's are very toxic, have been as long as dh remembers, but they can mask it well. It really has gotten bad in the past 6 years. They lit into me one time out of the blue in front of ds who was 10 at the time and alienated us for a long time and soured their relationship with ds and dd; then lit into bil and wife a year later and alienated them, so had no relationship with either of their sons for a long time, did not go to gs1's wedding, cannot send cards anymore as it is too hard to get them (perhaps get them while you are at the grocery store???) and mail them (how about while at the grocery store, you can get stamps there), only calls when they need something and/or are having a pity party, wants everyone to forget the way they have treated us because they are the boys (dh and bil) mom and dad and as such should be treated with respect. We are to go all out for their bd's and anniversary--cards and gifts, but they can't even send a card. So not happening anymore on both boy's parts. They get a call from their sons and that is it.

So why the trip. The boys moved them into the retirement community in August. I think GPs are guilt tripping them and sentiment for some reason is making dh act differently.

So we will see what happens with the trip. I am planning nothing for it, dd and ds both do not want to go, dh has said no more. We are making plans for activities that will provide happy memories, not ones of a looooonnnnggg road trip that has nothing of value involved.

 

[BelleWDW]

My sister will be in the weekend before Thanksgiving-late Sat thru Monday. So we figure Sunday lunch is the perfect time for a meal. Cant got our two brothers to even respond to a round robin meal idea/time email we're doing. Wont tell us if that's a good time, what our menu should be-or should we dine out...etc

Update: Friday ealy am I sent a SECOND email. Asking my brothers if they can attend at noon-how many will be attending (some have older "kids) and asking opinions on certain foods. Mind you, not asking for ANYONE to cook anything-we will pick up food and have it at Mom's.

3 days later-no response-so i called them sunday PM

Brother #1 apologized , was busy, and offered his very spacious home for the gathering vs. mom's small condo

Brother #2 said he "told Mom they could attend" (she's semi senile and never told me) and "didt realize he was supposed to respond to my email'!!!


Hello! I AM the one sending the email. I AM THE ONE ordering the food (Mom's paying for the meal), picking up the food etc-I NEED A HEAD COUNT!!!!!

I really think my "brainiac" brothers are idiots

 

[2girlsmom]

the drama has begun, and not from a source I expected! This past weekend, my family was involved in the veteran's musical at our church. I was in the choir, both my kids were in the kids choir, my dd9 had a solo, and both my kids and I had a trio part, while my husband ran the sound system, etc. My kids had put the concert date on my inlaws calendar weeks ago, and had told them they really wanted them to come, they had said they would be there. Yesterday, my fil decided he would rather go to a hockey game and watch strangers, instead of coming to see his grandchildren. My kids were disappointed that they hadn't come (but not too badly, as its certainly not the first event with our children they missed). My husband, however, has had it. He says this was the last straw and he is tired of the favoritism (they NEVER miss an event for our nephew12, but have missed many many events throughout the years for our girls, who are definitely and noticeably NOT the favored grands, nor is my dh the favored child or I the favored daughter in law). It somehow really pushed him over the edge to watch the news last night when we got home and see footage at the hockey game with his dad in it. (we didn't know until then why they hadn't attended the concert). His mom doesn't drive after dark ever, and wouldn't have been able to find it without his dad, so I certainly don't blame her, and I believe her when she says that she tried to tell his dad that they should be at the concert. Honestly, I am NOT angry, I was a little disappointed last night for the kids' sake and dh's sake, but was never angry. DH says as far as he is concerned he is perfectly willing to cut his dad out of his life entirely, cause he has had too many years of being treated like a second class citizen by his dad,and until he apologizes, he will have nothing to do with him. Ugh! I guess on the positive side, I won't have to be party to the drama when my bil is in town, since they are staying with dfil and dmil. But my family will be in TN for Christmas, so it will likely be a very different and quiet holiday if DH and fil are still not speaking.

 

[Disney Doll]

Ahhhhhhh, I'm not so sure if my old posts are quite as funny as that one, my family kind of takes the cake. They are easy fodder. One of cousins said that we should call TLC and have a reality show come film us.... this was after another cousin showed up at my grandparents while my Nana was dying thinking she was possessed by the devil. Yep, hissing, thrashing, spitting at the crucifix on the wall. Her boyfriend brought her to the rectory across the street from my grandparents house to have the priest pray for her. Oh, and he is Jewish and kept telling her "I don't believe in the Devil, I don't believe in Satan." My aunt said that she was going to have the obituary read "Mrs. Jfoof's Nana died at home, surrounded by her bat**** crazy family". I was telling one of my friends the story of my possessed cousin and she said if she didn't know the cast of characters she wouldn't believe me.... seriously, you CAN'T make this stuff up. This friend also really enjoys my family's events, especially after the TKO of my brother at a wake. I could go on and on... that is why I am writing my book.... I think I am going to title it "How I Survived My Large Irish Catholic Family." Oh, and for the record, the possessed cousin in a recovering alcoholic/drug addict who fell off the wagon HARD when Nana was dying... she is currently getting help to get her tush back on that wagon.

As crazy as they all are, I love them, even though at any given time any one of them could be stealing, wheezing, meddling, gossiping, punching another family member out, drunk, high, in jail and looking for bail money or just possessed by Satan... whatever.... they make me feel really normal and boring!

That "possession" sounds a lot like DTs to me....

 

[EMom]

DH's family's trademark phrase they trotted out when it was time to make plans was, "Let's just play it by ear."

Let me translate:

"Let's don't make any plans whatsoever, no matter how much advance notice we have or how imperative it is that reservations be made or else everything will be completely booked for the holiday. Then when everything goes to hell in a handbasket and total chaos results, let's act stunned and amazed that things could have gone awry simply because we decided to fly by the seat of our pants (with no plan) yet again."

I can add a Disney twist. From the time DD was 18 months old, MIL was pestering me to take her to WDW. I'm in the camp of, "I'm not taking her until she can remember it, plus she'd better be able to walk because we're not pushing a stroller." (Please, no debating, I'm just explaining why we waited until she was 5.) So I told MIL that we could all go once DD hit age 5.

DH, DD and I had a month long European trip planned for late spring and all my focus was going into planning that. Less than 2 months before we're due to leave, MIL decides it's time to go to WDW. Except MIL likes to play it by ear, ya know? She said she'd make the arrangements with her travel agent and we said, "Go right ahead." Except she didn't. In the meantime, I, who knew NOTHING of WDW at all, had decided I'd better at least do a teeny bit of checking into what this thing called the dining plan was. We kept asking MIL if she'd made ressies, but nope.

Two weeks before we eventually left for WDW, I told her I'd heard POP was the newest hotel, and since she wanted to book a Value, to book that one. Once again, I had to make the decision. I think DH finally had to conference call her TA with MIL and make ressies at 2 weeks out. I called for dining reservations and by some miracle, got everything we wanted. If I hadn't made the dining ressies, we'd have played that by ear for a week and you know how that would have gone. When we left for WDW, I'm not even sure I knew the names of all 4 parks since I only knew for certain we were going 2 weeks ahead of time. I was still learning key phrases in 3 languages for the planned trip to Europe. I do not play it by ear.

Once we got to WDW, I realized it was a good thing we we mainly riding kiddie rides and taking it slow, because a lot more advance planning should have gone into the trip. MIL depended on me to tell her what we were doing every day, and it was like the blind leading the blind. I mean, this trip was HER idea, not mine. Now that I know more, I think, "Who the heck goes to WDW with 2 weeks' notice and not a clue of what goes on there or what to do once you get there?" The answer would have been.....DH's family.

 

[KiminChicago]

It's not so much my family as my poor mom's family. She has two sisters (one older and one younger) and two brothers.

The real drama queen in their family is my mom's younger sister. She was around 13 or 14 when I was born, so she must be in her mid-60's now. She's another one of those people who has to be the center of attention and doesn't really care how she goes about it. In June my niece graduated from high school and DSis had a huge party. Fortunately I arrived too late for the big excitement. Apparently dear Auntie had her navel pierced and was showing it off for all the party guests! She's not a physical fitness buff or anything so she has a typical matronly figure -- not the kind of you'd expect to have a belly button ring.

Now the big scandal in the family is Auntie's husband (my poor uncle) asked to be put in a nursing home. Why, you ask? It seems that a couple of years ago the pastor of her church encouraged his parishioners to write to some inmates at a downstate prison. My Auntie and her pen pal got really friendly -- enough so that when he got out of prison, Auntie asked him to move in with her and her DH. Another thing I missed by arriving late to the graduation party was her telling everyone about the "fringe benefits" she was getting from her new boyfriend (and yes, her husband was there too). We all figure that poor uncle felt he'd be safer in a nursing home. I guess we won't be seeing dear Auntie for the holidays! I think everyone's afraid of what she'll come up with next.

 

[EMom]

It's not so much my family as my poor mom's family. She has two sisters (one older and one younger) and two brothers.

The real drama queen in their family is my mom's younger sister. She was around 13 or 14 when I was born, so she must be in her mid-60's now. She's another one of those people who has to be the center of attention and doesn't really care how she goes about it. In June my niece graduated from high school and DSis had a huge party. Fortunately I arrived too late for the big excitement. Apparently dear Auntie had her navel pierced and was showing it off for all the party guests! She's not a physical fitness buff or anything so she has a typical matronly figure -- not the kind of you'd expect to have a belly button ring.

Now the big scandal in the family is Auntie's husband (my poor uncle) asked to be put in a nursing home. Why, you ask? It seems that a couple of years ago the pastor of her church encouraged his parishioners to write to some inmates at a downstate prison. My Auntie and her pen pal got really friendly -- enough so that when he got out of prison, Auntie asked him to move in with her and her DH. Another thing I missed by arriving late to the graduation party was her telling everyone about the "fringe benefits" she was getting from her new boyfriend (and yes, her husband was there too). We all figure that poor uncle felt he'd be safer in a nursing home. I guess we won't be seeing dear Auntie for the holidays! I think everyone's afraid of what she'll come up with next.

I swear I saw this same scenario on one of those true crime shows I watch, and let me tell you, it did not end well. Next, she'll change her will. I hope Uncle has gotten his share of their money out of all accounts.....

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Mine has now officially begun...

Seems my sister (who is on the outs with me as she very much disagrees with everything I do--and without getting too "religious" about it--I opted to not take my children to my brother's commitment ceremony while her 3yo was the flowergirl)--well she is coming to town once again without telling me. She hasn't told me for the past year whenever she comes to Orlando to visit with my brother.

She stopped coming to my house about 18 months ago--originally it was b/c I'm too much of a slob and her OCD just cannot handle it at all. You would think I'd have the Deparment of Health knocking on my door or something with how she handles the condition of my home.

Anyway--she's coming once again and her parents (her dad and step-mom, no relation to me) are coming down as well.

Ho-hum. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am each time it happens. I guess I'm too gullible to believe that things will turn around.

But in her eyes, my family is not worth it.

I have no idea what any of my side of the family is doing for Thanksgiving. Noone asked us and noone invited us to do anything.

Very very very different from last year. We do have plans--but it seems so strange that noone bothered to ask us as had been done in previous years.

The reason for all of this--nothing but a big fat rumor mill that my brother's partner knows is not true, but noone will believe anything DH or I say. Me not taking my children to a ceremony--was all the faux-proof that was needed.


ETA: Oh and tomorrow is my birthday....WOOOOOOO!!!!!! And likely I will be forgotten. (only a few months ago after being chastized by my mother about "forgetting" my brother's shower which we didn't forget, we had other plans and could not go to---and my mother said "When does anyone ever forget you or anyone in your family." Oh mother dear--it happens ALL.THE.TIME. But she's completely oblivious to it. Never mind the fact that I think wedding showers for people who have been together a long while, who have already set up a home and are in their second PURCHASED home together are silly. And I never had one and don't place a whole lot of importance in them. So forgive us if we didn't cancel our Disney vacation for that even if they are in Orlando. I guess they will all show me, right.)

 

[jmskinner]

A few months ago my mother mentioned coming to FL for Thanksgiving. Then my DMIL called and said she was coming. From there we decided that maybe my stepdaughter could come with DMIL. My mother decided not to come when DMIL was coming. About a month ago DMIL called and said the stepdaughter couldn't come, and my stepdaughter didn't even call or email us to tell us this. Then a couple of weeks ago, DBIL calls because he is confused because DMIL has just called him to invite him to the mountains for Thanksgiving and he thought she was coming to our house.

After debating all night on how to confront DMIL about her coming at Thanksgiving, I finally emailed her and asked what day she was arriving since my stepdaughter wasn't coming. She then emailed me back to tell me they weren't coming because of some bills that popped up. Which would have been fine with me, but just tell us. Now DH doesn't want to speak to his Mom because after inviting herself for Thanksgiving, she wouldn't even tell us she wasn't coming. Oh, and the DBIL told her he talked to us before my email, so now she knows I knew when I sent my email.

The good news, my mother is now coming for Thanksgiving and we are going to WDW for 4 days before Thanksgiving and hopefully beat some of the crowds. And she wants to hit the Black Friday sales. Should be a fun week!

Thank goodness I have no plans for Christmas but to stay home.

 

[agnes!]

Mine has now officially begun...

Seems my sister (who is on the outs with me as she very much disagrees with everything I do--and without getting too "religious" about it--I opted to not take my children to my brother's commitment ceremony while her 3yo was the flowergirl)--well she is coming to town once again without telling me. She hasn't told me for the past year whenever she comes to Orlando to visit with my brother.

She stopped coming to my house about 18 months ago--originally it was b/c I'm too much of a slob and her OCD just cannot handle it at all. You would think I'd have the Deparment of Health knocking on my door or something with how she handles the condition of my home.

Anyway--she's coming once again and her parents (her dad and step-mom, no relation to me) are coming down as well.

Ho-hum. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am each time it happens. I guess I'm too gullible to believe that things will turn around.

But in her eyes, my family is not worth it.

I have no idea what any of my side of the family is doing for Thanksgiving. Noone asked us and noone invited us to do anything.

Very very very different from last year. We do have plans--but it seems so strange that noone bothered to ask us as had been done in previous years.

The reason for all of this--nothing but a big fat rumor mill that my brother's partner knows is not true, but noone will believe anything DH or I say. Me not taking my children to a ceremony--was all the faux-proof that was needed.


ETA: Oh and tomorrow is my birthday....WOOOOOOO!!!!!! And likely I will be forgotten. (only a few months ago after being chastized by my mother about "forgetting" my brother's shower which we didn't forget, we had other plans and could not go to---and my mother said "When does anyone ever forget you or anyone in your family." Oh mother dear--it happens ALL.THE.TIME. But she's completely oblivious to it. Never mind the fact that I think wedding showers for people who have been together a long while, who have already set up a home and are in their second PURCHASED home together are silly. And I never had one and don't place a whole lot of importance in them. So forgive us if we didn't cancel our Disney vacation for that even if they are in Orlando. I guess they will all show me, right.)

I am sorry for your pain. People who play favorites within families never seem to think that they actually do.

I have to admit to being confused by all the particulars. Is she your half-sister (since you don't have the same dad)? And your children didn't go to your brother's commitment ceremony (but you did) and you didn't go to a commitment "shower" but your family is being shunned by everyone else because of *not* going to the shower even though *you* did go to the ceremony? I was wondering...Do you have a relationship with this brother (since you mentioned his partner)?

agnes!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am sorry for your pain. People who play favorites within families never seem to think that they actually do.

I have to admit to being confused by all the particulars. Is she your half-sister (since you don't have the same dad)? And your children didn't go to your brother's commitment ceremony (but you did) and you didn't go to a commitment "shower" but your family is being shunned by everyone else because of *not* going to the shower even though *you* did go to the ceremony? I was wondering...Do you have a relationship with this brother (since you mentioned his partner)?

agnes!

We are all halfsies--same mom different dads.

The differences are political and religious (so I will do my best to address the problem without talking about no-no stuff).

Bottom line, we don't force anyone upon our beliefs or anything and we have always accepted my brother and his partner. My children even refer to the partner as Uncle and we have always thought that was sweet.

There had been rumours circulating for quite some time and we didn't know. But essentially, let's just say that my DH and I were essentially bigots. Anyway--can't get into details due to the nature of the topic--but long story short, my husband had a 2 hour long phone convesation with brother's DP and it was all settled and understood and we finally found out what was being said and by whom. The deal is though--he had a relative with young children with the same situation--who didn't even go to the ceremony at all.

Then the kicker--my DH who always fouls up his work schedule of trips by forgetting when they conflicted other things--had a once in a lifetime very cool business obligation that could not be missed. So he had to miss the ceremony. (he discussed with with DP who was former military and claimed ot have fully understood.)

Meantime--after all this bruhaha--they are now happily committed.

Fastforward to September, DH and I planned a trip to CA to visit my elderly grandparents. My mother sends me a very scathing e-mail and it seems she holds an intense grudge that my DH ditched the ceremony completely regardless of reason. She thought it was nice that we had the time to prance across the country as a whole family--and that it would be nice if our WHOLE family would come down to see her.

Anyway--my familiy is nutso and I am so over it. I love everyone, but I cannot put up with lies being spread about me.

Oh--and I was already peeved at my sister anyway. I can't stand my gullibility at times to think that when you tell someone private thoughts (due to a personal struggle from abuse experienced when I was a young child)--my sister went and blabbed to my brother about it.

I forgot how I found out--but in his mind--he thought our childhood was fine. When I mentioned that to my mother about the breach, she said that my brother is entitled to his opinion. Sure he is--but he never should have had one in the first place b/c I didn't tell him squat.

So sister cannot be trusted at all--I was a fool to trust that she ever could be and she is the source of all the lies as well.

It's stupid. It's my life. It is impossible to defend yourself against someone who is determined to be the favorite and determined to watch you go down in flames, regardless of what it costs.

 

[Disney Doll]

LLP, I am sorry for all your angst.
The best I can tell you is that it hurts when family are not the Hallmark version we all wish we had, but protect yourself.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

LLP, I am sorry for all your angst.
The best I can tell you is that it hurts when family are not the Hallmark version we all wish we had, but protect yourself.

Aww thanks.....

My mom remembered...YEAH!!!!!!!