I cannot believe how much is different and how much has stayed the same in the past year. My youngest daughter just became Bat Mitzvah. My “new” sister, B, was the only out of town relative who came. We have gotten so close lately and she has made a special effort to be a part of our lives. Due to COVID and school, she came alone, but it was so meaningful to me and my daughter. Even though she isn’t Jewish, she was able to participate in one part of the service and celebrated with us at the party. It was so special.
My mom and birth certificate dad, on the other hand, made no effort to come. When I sent a “save the date” in January of last year, they said no without even considering it. They had many excuses, and it really hurt my feelings. As it got closer, they used other excuses which might be relevant now, but the point was that they wouldn’t even consider making an effort to attend such an important day for their granddaughter….and for me. They knew what it meant to me as I have repeatedly told them. Yet another example of them not being there for me in a way I need them to be.
So, some great updates, some not so great, but I am going to focus on the great. On who IS here for me, not who isn’t.