Mom feels family drifting apart
DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, my son and his family moved a couple of hours away. He’s my only child. I know he’s busy with his wife, two children and his job, but I would like to hear from him more than every two weeks — or longer — just to know what is going on. He told me I could call him, but I feel like I’m imposing. I’d like to be more involved. I would also like to be closer to my daughter-in-law. We have had a couple of good phone conversations recently, but I sense that she wants her own space.
I’m not overbearing, and I’m working on expectations vs. reality, being overly emotional when my expectations are not met and fear of sharing this because I’m afraid my son and his wife won’t like what I have to say. I feel they have been pushing me away.
What can I do, other than wait for them to call and work on how not to get upset when they don’t include me? They have let the grandchildren stay with me a couple of weeks at different times over the summer. I’m trying to do things with friends, but I really prefer being around my son and family because I feel happier (or used to). It has been heartbreaking. — WORKING ON IT
DEAR WORKING fill more of your time ON IT: Your son has with hobbies and interests told you it’s all right to of your own. If you call him, so you should. do, you will be a more Because of the blessing interesting person to be of modern technology, around. Your son and there are other options his wife should not be as well — texting, video the focus of your life chat, etc. If you are the way he was when unfamiliar with them, he was a child and you make it a point to learn. were responsible for Be grateful your son and him. It isn’t healthy for his family are independent, you or your relationship and try harder to with them.