You win some You lose some

[GerriG]

Yesterday was an interesting day to say the least. I met a few members of family, of which I had never met before, or even knew existed. My father cut out of the family when I was 14 and I've only seen him twice since then and neither time ending on a good/happy note. His aunt reached out to me this past year to let me know that I had a grandfather who was still alive but was going downhill fast from his battle with Alzheimer's, and many family members that wanted to get to know me and my brothers. We had lunch yesterday with the expectation that my father would be joining us, but as I anticipated, he did not. He has chosen to be and absentee father for life, and I'm okay with that, because his choice is his loss. I have now gained an entire family who let me know that under no uncertain terms, they would be there to help me and be a part of my future, whatever that is, and to never be afraid to reach out. Surrounded with positivity is so much healthier than fighting to make yourself understood. My door will always be open to him, he is after all, my father.

Photo: mushrooms that grew overnight on the head of two nails on my steps.

[Royjr]

It's good you have a format where you can vent freely without being judged

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

GerriG I read your story and my heart goes out to you. As l know, kind of where your coming from. As my bio father isn't in or has been in much of my life. And the part he was, was nothing but complete disappointment as far as being a father or grandfather. Just remember, because of him, YOU ARE STRONGER!😉

I am thrilled that you got to meet other family! I hope you all can make close connections​! Did you look like anyone?☺

J 🌠

ps love the pic

[GerriG in reply to Jesmcd2]

Those that I met were awesome! And so many things make so much sense now. I look forward to many more gatherings with them!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to GerriG]

I'm sooooo happy for you!☺ Extended family is always a good thing!

J 🌠

[Morllyn]

You are right, about your father, it is his loss. You are also right about keeping the door open, in my opinion. Forgive the past, if possible because it is usually you that it hurts if you don't.

Love the mushrooms! The edges are really neat.

[greaterexp]

I'm happy for you to have discovered and met family who can care about you. It's wonderful to get beyond bitterness, isn't it? "Bitterness is the cup of poison we intend for our enemies, but drink ourselves." I can't remember who said that, but it is sure true.

You get a gold star for taking the chance at meeting family without any clear guarantees that they would be accepting and supportive. You all can be real blessings to one another! Hurrah!

[jimeka]

Looking at your mushroom 🍄 are you sure they are not toadstools? I hope you haven't eaten them without checking them out first. On a different note so pleased that you have finally found a connection with your family. Blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈 🍄

[Danielle2311]

That is great. We always can use more people in our corner. Saw an earlier post about the lumbar puncture. How did it go, if you don't mind me asking