Family Feud

[Skywatch_NC]

I have a few relatives on my Dad's side of the family that I'd like to not claim
...but gotta love 'em anyway.

[sunny shine]

streetsoldier....well sounds like you know how to put him in his place. I have suspected this all along. Good for you.

Skywatch... you are a sweet person.

[vbhoutex]

Poppysky, I appreciate your story and your concern. I have thought about it. We are not what I would call "estranged", but stubborn. My wife's family is here in Houston and we are helping take care of her failing(health and mental)parents and we have always been very close. My parents chose to keep their distance, which I respect. Do not get me wrong, I love them dearly and have always told them so. Dad has been gone for almost 5 years now and God saw fit to make sure I was there when he took my Dad to continue his service to the Lord so I could tell him how much I loved him and tell him it was okay to go be with the angels. I will NOT allow this "strange moment" to spoil that love or keep me from my Mom. I have tried to call her several times in the last 3 months and she is never home and does not return the calls. In some respects I think that is great because it means she is occupied with church work or friends and enjoying her life. In other respects it "looks" like she could care less about us and our lives, which I know is not true, but it has ruined any chance of a good relationship with my wife or my daughter because of the way it "lppks". Obviously though I would like some return calls. I can be as stubborn as she is-she taught me!!!!-and I guess I am being that way right now since I am upset with her for not even returning her Granddaugther's call about a promised gift. It isn't about the gift! Anyway enough of this!! I will be calling her on Mother's Day as I do every year, no matter what.

[pojo]

sky...that's our family also.

My dad is the blacksheep of his family and we tend not to associate ourselves with the clan. They all have nicknames that pertain to stupidity (cept for my dad, whom holds the smartest award)! His mother has moved up to Neenah, the clan will in part, stay in Whitewater, but they do have a tendency to voyage up to Neenah-Menasha area. Yes, it is freaky when we see their cars, but we also know its life.

As for my mom's brothers...she has 4 of them. 3 of which are close with everyone except for Tim, whom has been called a FIB numerous times. (Middle word is Illinois...fill in the blanks) My cousin Matt graduated from high school last year and we were unaware of his graduation. When Keith graduated in 99, they came up; when I graduated in 2000, they came up, when Eric graduated in 2001, they came up...but when Matt graduated in 2002, nobody was aware of the ceremony or the party afterwards! Hence, we didn't go down to Silvis to visit them! Keith will be graduating from UW-Stout in a few weeks, and we are aware of the party for him, but I have a gut instinct telling me that my aunt and uncle will not come up from Illinois to visit

[ColdFront77]

I didn't mention that my two sister-in law's (wives of two of my brother's) and brother-in-law [only one I can possibly have] are very close, as well... despite the distance geographically. But one of my brother's and sister-in-law are 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours from us now, which is not too bad.

[JetMaxx]

We've had our difficulties over the years (after mom died, it was a looong nightmare)....but the past two or three years, everyone has gotten along extremely well..even dad and me. It's not a typical father-son relationship, but we're closer right now that we've been since mom died.
I now tell dad I love him before hanging up the phone, and sometimes he says it back

As for my sisters and I, we just seem to get closer. I miss Becky and those three kids so much it hurts. One week or ten days together every 1-2 years isn't nearly enough. I email her nearly every day just to tell her I love her, and how proud I am of her; send her and the kids cards weekly just to say hi!, love you, or miss you

I emailed Nick yesterday to wish him luck in his baseball game; call Maddie to hear her sweet little voice describing her latest school project, dance recital, ski lessons, or just to tell me she loves me. I'm the same way with Becky...just hearing her sweet voice brightens my day

Beth and me are closer than ever. She calls me for advice, seems to trust my judgement more than dad or Pat's (which is very good since I'm more level headed than either of them -- but she knows I'll never steer her wrong. I also make sure Beth knows how proud I am of her, and anytime she needs me, I'm there for her.

Maria may be a stepsister, but she was only six when dad and her mother married, so we're close as well; closer than many brothers and sisters...I'll call her to make sure she's okay, and let her know when storms are coming (they are still in a mobile home - I'll be so very thankful when their new home is finally finished). I worry myself sick about her and Chris during tornado watches -- Maria is terrified of severe storms to begin with..so is Becky (but Beth and me enjoy them...have even thought about chasing tornadoes together

It isn't perfect (my stepbrother and me very rarely see each other -- but when we meet, it's cordial), but overall I feel very blessed.

[azskyman]

JetMaxx...once again your compassion and openness speaks for itself.

Relationships, like all growing things, require nurturing and care. Your approach to your family is a wonderful thing. Not only should you feel blessed, but so too should they.

skyman