SeekingStrength
Well-Known Member
During this season of hope and joy, gfg33 is much on my mind. husband and I have many memories of Christmases with difficult child. Some wonderful ones from when he was young. When he was two years old, husband and I were both in school and working: difficult child working and going to school full time, me working full time and finishing my Masters (part time). Money was tight. husband found a rusty wagon at Goodwill for $2.00. He sanded it and painted it bright red. difficult child's eyes were so wide when he rounded the corner and saw that wagon. Such joy. We have the photo. He was wearing a red plaid robe (also from Goodwill). It was a beautiful moment.
Fast forward. I cannot remember which experiences go with which years. He was invited to spend Christmas with us every year after he moved out. He never showed. One time, he came during the night. We did not hear him. Took the $100 we had left in his stocking, but not his presents. Left the card and envelope on the floor.
There was the time, he showed up about 4PM. I warmed him a plate of what we had at lunch....he took two bites of it. Said, I can't eat this stuff and walked out the door, after collecting his presents.
Just last Christmas, when we were on the brink of detaching, but did not yet know that. He asked for money two times in December. We sent it to him, and let him know it was his Christmas money. difficult child said, Sure, sure I know. Thanks. A week later he was asking for more. Said he HAD to have $200 for flight down here. He had not told us earlier because he wanted to surprise us. This coming from somebody who had not seen us on Christmas for years (his choice). When I told him, we did not have the money ...that we had already given him his Christmas money and needed $300 to put our 14 yr old dog to sleep. Shortly afterwards, he sent an email that said, "Given the fact that you have the drama with your dog, I will not be stopping by."
Guessing there many other incidents husband and I have plain blocked out.
So, I guess the point of this diatribe is that anything husband and I miss was from many moons ago. Actually, right now, I just hope we do not receive a hateful email, text, whatever.
We will have a blessed holiday with our other two offspring.
Fast forward. I cannot remember which experiences go with which years. He was invited to spend Christmas with us every year after he moved out. He never showed. One time, he came during the night. We did not hear him. Took the $100 we had left in his stocking, but not his presents. Left the card and envelope on the floor.
There was the time, he showed up about 4PM. I warmed him a plate of what we had at lunch....he took two bites of it. Said, I can't eat this stuff and walked out the door, after collecting his presents.
Just last Christmas, when we were on the brink of detaching, but did not yet know that. He asked for money two times in December. We sent it to him, and let him know it was his Christmas money. difficult child said, Sure, sure I know. Thanks. A week later he was asking for more. Said he HAD to have $200 for flight down here. He had not told us earlier because he wanted to surprise us. This coming from somebody who had not seen us on Christmas for years (his choice). When I told him, we did not have the money ...that we had already given him his Christmas money and needed $300 to put our 14 yr old dog to sleep. Shortly afterwards, he sent an email that said, "Given the fact that you have the drama with your dog, I will not be stopping by."
Guessing there many other incidents husband and I have plain blocked out.
So, I guess the point of this diatribe is that anything husband and I miss was from many moons ago. Actually, right now, I just hope we do not receive a hateful email, text, whatever.
We will have a blessed holiday with our other two offspring.