I’ve always been extremely mobile, even when growing up. My parents and I moved a lot. I lived in dozens of states and overseas, before I reached high school. This meant I never really had close connections with aunts, uncles, grandparents or cousins.
I’ve only met my dad’s mom, once. I never met his dad. My dad has 7 brothers and sisters, my aunts and uncles, and I’ve met a couple of them once.
I haven’t spoken to my mom’s father, my grandfather in about a decade. His personal beliefs aren’t really modern and I opted out of the relationship because of it. One of my mom’s sisters, my aunt, hasn’t spoken to me in a decade. Her other sister called me for the first time in about 8 years, the other day, and she just wanted to tell me that she had moved my grandfather to live with her. That was it. No…..hey, how are you, how are things.
My sibling stopped talking to me a few years ago after calling me “the most miserable human being” they have ever known. They disagreed with my support of police being able to have bite-trained dogs.
I recently moved to the city my grandma lives in so that I can take care of her. I live about 100 yards from her. We’ve always been extremely close, so she’s one of the few family members that speaks to me.
My cousin and uncle live in the small city. I have texted and called both to let them know I live in town again (I’ve lived in the town before). Neither has replied.
My parents are my best friends.
And here comes the real blow. My 17 year old son hasn’t communicated with me in 18 months.
I’ve started noticed now that friends have stopped replying to texts. I always reply within a few hours if someone texts me.
Am I an asshole and just don’t know it? I keep up with everyone’s goings ons. If they’re sick, I follow up with them to ask how they are doing. If they got a new pet, I check in to see how house-breaking is going. If I’m going to do something I know a buddy enjoys, I let them know they should join me.