"Family?"

I have to vent.  Get ready.

If you have been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that the term "family" is loosely used in our home.  We've been burned by biological family members -- on both sides -- and in our journeys across the country with the Coast Guard, we've adopted and been adopted by amazing and great friends who ARE and have become our family.  We've been extremely fortunate and lucky, despite the fact that we've had major "family" issues.

Ryan's sister is getting married sometime next month.  Obviously, we weren't invited to the wedding or else I'd be able to tell you the date.  BUT, Ryan opted to not be a part of her wedding when she asked and that brought upon a fury like you would not believe.  He didn't choose to not be a part of it 'just because'...there was a lot behind that decision and one that I am glad he made.

That brings me to my sister-in-law, Courtney, and her family.  They ARE a part of the wedding and it's funny because my in-laws are treating them just like how they treat us.  They don't call, they don't visit and you would think they were outsiders.  I just find this so strange.  Ryan's sister has her brother, niece and nephew IN the wedding...yet, my in-laws don't call and don't visit them...I just don't get it.  Courtney and her family have tried.  They have gone to family functions.  They have made calls, yet it isn't reciprocated. 

So you ask, "What business of this is yours, Maria?"  It's not.  I just am frustrated for them.  I think that it's really awful that people who claim to be your family can treat you this way.  I think it's atrocious that they have all these grand expectations of people and then turn around and treat their children like they are complete outsiders.  I have no doubt whatsoever, that my MIL, Mt. Lebanon's National Enquirer, has made horrible statements and comments about us -- knowing that we wouldn't be there to defend ourselves.  To her, the world revolves around her and her feelings... no one else.

While Ryan, the kids and I have been completely cut out of the "family" -- I take it as a blessing. I only think about it when Courtney and I chat about it...but on a daily basis, I don't stress about it.  Am I a heartless person for feeling that way?   Maybe.  But, can't I just be done with it all?  Can't I just say that I'm tired of being made out to be the bad person when for years and years all I did was go above and beyond to be accepted into that family?  Can't I just move on?

My friend, Tara, inspired me with her blog.  She questioned when she should be able to wipe her hands clean of all that is negative in her life.  Of course it made me think about our life and the negative forces around it...I hope that this is one of the last times I have to vent about them. I hope that if I ever write about them again, it'll be in my next book:  How to Divorce Your In-Laws...and who knows, maybe I'll have to thank them in the preface for making me millions.