I'd like to say in response to the comment left on my earlier blog by my father's wife, that yes they did call me BEFORE the trip. When I spoke with my father, I didn't have the heart to say directly that I didn't feel comfortable coming to his house as we have not been close in over 5+ years. During those conversations I did offer to meet him and his family for dinner in a couple different public locations, which he was unable to commit to. I also told him I would have my cell phone on me, and verified the number for him (which has not changed in over 4 years). I told him that I was trying to accomplish a lot in the short time I was down there as my wedding is next year but my attendants live there in Kentucky and I'm in Michigan. I never received a call while I was in Kentucky.
My grandmother and other members of my family planned a large cookout while I was there, which my father and family said they were unable to attend because they had other plans as the cookout was scheduled on the Sunday which was my father's birthday.
As for making the effort to see me in Florida and Michigan, I'd like to point out that those efforts were 10 to 15+ years ago, and before the estrangement that currently exists.
I'm disappointed that my siblings Jessie and Julie are so upset by my blog. It's true that we don't have much of a relationship, and that I have been distant. However, they were much younger when this conflict really took hold, and I did not want to put them in the middle. It's hard to have a relationship with siblings that are 10-14 years younger when you're not speaking to their parents. I truly wish them and my brother Jeffrey every success and happiness in the world.
After all that has gone on over the years, I'm done. I am happy in my life and with the man I'm going to marry. I have a wonderful mother and extended family who have been so amazingly loving and supportive to me over the years. So for the sake of myself, and others, I will not be pursuing any more contact with my father and his wife and children.
Sincerely,
Sarah
