Well, I need a hug because my sister hasn't spoken to me in 10 years. She has never met my son and I have never met her youngest daughter. She became angry with me because of a letter that I sent to her in which I confronted her about various problems that she was facing and blaming everyone else for. I knew that when I wrote the letter that I was closing the door to our relationship because my sister is a very ABSOLUTE type of individual and she has written other family members off in the past never speaking to them again. That being said, I was compelled to write to her because she was taking her frustrations out on her daughter, my niece Lauren, who was only 10 years old at the time. Because I stood up to her and her treatment of my niece, she has kept ALL 3 OF HER CHILDREN out of my life. I tried to reach out over the years, but to no avail. I am sooo upset with her about this. My niece is 20 going on 21 and I have missed all of those years. I never closed the door with her but she never knocked. Yesterday, I spoke to my sister's mom (we have the same dad) and she gave me the yearly run down as to how everyone is doing. On the one hand I am thankful that I can atleast find out how they are doing but on the other hand I always get depressed because I really miss my niece. Her mother (my sister) has turned her against me as well as her other 2 children, who don't even know me. I always though that our children would know eachother. I know my dad would have wanted it that way. (he died when I was 8 years old) I guess that doesn't matter now...

Let me give you a big Bear hug and say I feel sorry for you.

I am sorry to say that your story aren't unique and it's sad for all parts when it happen.

This kind of pride do I call our curse, because we destroy many happy moments with our thoughts and attitude.

I agree in your doing, and if told right you sister carry most of the responsibility for the situation.

My only advice must be...always be open for reunion if such situation should arise...the older we become the more we want our family collected, and many times a small "approach" is all what it takes.

An extra Bear Hug and wish of good luck to you

THANK YOU RHUTOBELLO

Hey you can't pick your family your stuck with them.  I can't give you any pearls of wisdom, but you've held on to this hurt for a long time and let it fester.  Easy for me to say but perhaps you need to find a way in your heart that can allow you to live with the situation and not let it hurt you so badly.  Forgiving your sisters narrow attitude maybe a start and perhaps another family member can approach your niece and ask her to get in touch with you, after all their are 2 sides to a story and perhaps your niece would like to hear your side?  If i am way out apologies.  Here is a very large hug to you from me.  

Let me know how you get on.

Suzi XXX

Thanks Suzisco, your advise was well taken. I probably can get in touch with my niece through another family member. I actually put the wheels in motion earlier today. I hope it works...Once Again, Many thanx