Angry!

Yes, today I am angry.  Families!!!!!!  Let me explain. I happen to live in the same road as my remaining brother but we have never been exactly close to say the least. That is not to say we have never had some fun times but they have been few and far between.

My brother has always been a difficult man. One of those who knows everything, has experienced everything and is never ever in the wrong.  His wife is even worse and has caused no end of problems in the family down the years.

As a Christian I have always forgiven if not forgotten. Well, over two years ago she caused a terrible row and I mean terrible.  Things got very nasty indeed but I do not intend to go into that here and we have had no contact with her at all.  Obviously, Mike is always bumping into my brother when he takes the dogs for their walks or is in the local shops and they have spoken in a civil way to each other.

Well, you know I have been working on my family tree .  I mentioned in an earlier entry that I was contacted by a cousin of my sister-in-law who wanted to make a connection with her and pass on family history.  I was in a quandry.  I did not like to admit we were not on speaking terms.  However, this information was not mine to sit on and as my sister-in-law is considerably older than I am, I turned it over and over in my mind.  Then this cousin said she wanted to send me family photographs and documents to pass on.  I knew I had to do the right thing.  I know how I would have felt if family history had been handed to me on a plate, so I swallowed my pride, turned the other check and rang my sister-in-law.  A very frosty reception at first but when I told her why I was ringing she was amazed and astounded and then got excited.  She was going away for a few days she said but gave me the go ahead to continue this contact with her cousin and another cousin who had by then joined in.

So, all the information was sent to me.  Yesterday morning, as they had returned from their trip, Mike took it all down to her, together with a proper family tree I had drawn up for her.  She rang me to say she was so touched by my act of kindness, that she could not thank me enough, howmuch it all meant to her especially now shehad found and could be in contact with two family members. She asked me if I could do some emails for her, passing on some details and their phone number (they have no computer).  I just said I was glad I could be of help and e-mailed her cousins right away.

So, comes this morning.  We were looking after Nathan whilst Becky went to aqua-natal classes at the local pool. I realized as I looked at him that he had never seen his great aunt and uncle and they had never seen him.  So, once again, I did the Christian thing.  I telephoned my brother, told him we were looking after Nathan and asking whether they would like to pop up and see him for the first time.  Oh yes, says my brother but you will have to give us about an hour.  I said that was o.k. and near the time they were due, we put the kettle on and got some cake out.

Yes, you have guessed it, they never turned up.  What is worse to me is that they did not even have the decency to telephone us to say they were not coming.  When Becky returned I explained we were waiting for them. She was not best pleased but understood, so she waited for another hour.  Nothing.

What do I do as a Christian, turn the other cheek again?  To be honest, with this couple I am out of cheeks to turn.  I am angry, hurt, bitter.  They say if you do good it comes back to you threefold.  Well, once would be nice in my case.  I find myself feeling sorry now that I ever told her about her family and ever got involved.  But what is done is done.

I know I did the right thing but it has only brought me more hurt.

I now feel it would be better for all concerned if we went back to having no contact with them at all.  Well, dear readers, how would you feel and what would you do in the same circumstances?