Yes, the Russian novel continues. Although the kids and I have next to no snippets of what is going on with her. XW is still highly secretive and evasive!
A few days ago, it was XW’s birthday. I’m not sure how old, 53 I think; I’d have to some math to figure out. Let see, born in, it’s 2024, borrow from the hundred’s and thousands place, yep she’s 53.
Anyhow, on her birthday my youngest son called me. You likely recall, that particular son was XW’s least favourite child. As much as MLCers pick a favourite, they pick a least favourite too. Oh, she missed his birthday, Christmas, treated him mean, and on and on. He stood up to her the quickest of all of the four kids and she did not like that one bit.
He called me about the upcoming birthday party for grandma and daughter this weekend. During our call, he said he had new tale of Mom.
D21 called Mom that morning and wished her a happy birthday. During that conversation XW bemoaned to daughter how S23 hasn’t spoken to her since Christmas. And it’s her birthday! (Mother’s Day also passed by without acknowledgement.)
S23 is still not pleased with Mom’s unrepentant making SIL cry with her tirade during her “visit” to S25’s and DIL’s house in early January. He, S25, and DIL, have had little/no contact with XW/Mom.
D21’s call to brother was at 9:00 am that morning, right after speaking with Mom. So, son texted a happy birthday to Mom. XW immediately replied, “I can’t talk right now. I’ll call when I’m free.” She literally 30 second earlier was speaking with his sister, and now she is too busy.
So fast forward to 4:30pm, and 30 minutes before our call. XW calls S24. Took seven and a half hours to free up some time. lol. Here is the complete transcript of that phone conversation:
S24: (Cell phone rings, sees its mom’s number) Hello.
Mom: Hi. How are you.
S24: I’m fine. (He is busily working on his Master degree thesis.) How are you?
Mom: I’m fine too. I’ve got to go. Goodbye. <click>
Hahaha. Son was laughing as he regaled this incredulously conversation. Like WTF. It was eight seconds long! She couldn’t afford to expend that much time at 9 in the morning? It took seven and a half hours to find time? She so missed him, so upset without contact, and then 8 seconds. If bull-riding she’d be a winner.
Like he and I agreed, Mom/XW needed her fix. He called her. She got her fix. She doesn’t actually need - or cares? In my more charitable moments I do hope she cares and is just not able to, or unsure how to, demonstrate it. Like I said, she doesn’t actually need the conversation part, just him calling first. Like a staring contest.
Oh well. Son and I also agree, no big deal. It’s eight seconds of his life. He texted her first. She just had to complete the transaction. Poor gal. Super lost soul she is.
My cousin’s widow has ceased all communication with the family. My aunt is taking her son’s suicide rather hard. Understandable. Her pain and despair is compounded with her DIL ghosting her. DIL also is ghosting her BIL, SIL, and nephew/nieces.
Technically, she is not an in law anymore. She was related by marriage and that marriage ended upon her husband’s (my cousin’s) death. However, that doesn’t fit the why of what’s going on. No one is considering her not family.
My aunt lent pictures of her son to DIL for the funeral, and she cannot get those cherished photos back. Going into four months now and no communication. This is hurting my aunt a lot. Poor woman has lots on her plate.
Loss. Grief. It comes out in darn strange ways.
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
