Family invitation

[vaneramos]

A letter from my parents invited me to their 55th wedding anniversary, which is also Mom's 73rd birthday. It falls on the Saturday of Easter weekend, same as the year she was born. They would like everyone to be there: their three sons, two daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren.

Mom acknowledged how hard these gatherings are for me. Of course, she could make it easier by dealing with her shame about me, but that will not change, so why do I torture myself by wishing things different?

It will be held at a restaurant or the home of my eldest brother in London. No gifts, Mom says, only hugs.

The hardest part will be seeing my middle brother. Almost 10 when I was born, he doted on me, and I adored him. He never responded to the letter in which I came out to him, and we have hardly spoken since. Last time I saw him was at the 50th anniversary, and we have talked once on the phone since then. No hostility there, only the studied indifference that characterizes my family.

I will go, of course, and confirmed with my ex last night that Marian and Brenna will be available.