My family I consider odd. I have never liked the fact that I am estranged from my sisters; not my idea.

I was raised in a violent environment household, nothing new to most on this board, so much so that either I nor my siblings can recall even birthdays or holidays. Until about 10 years ago, the three of us remained estranged from my father. At that time my older sister decided to bridge the gap. I participated only for lunch on holidays and his birthday.

About six years ago after one of my aunt's died of breast cancer (it is inherited in may mother's side of the family; all females going back three/four generations) that I reached out to both my sisters. When my aunt was dxd my mother decided it was time to heal their relationship. My mother and my anut did that and both enjoyed what was left of their time together.

So, I wrote a letter to my sisters asking to heal our relationship. SIX MONTHS, on the same day, I received an email from both, containing almost the exact same words, and that I had my family and they had theirs and lets leave it at that.

Today, my older sister still lives where she has been since age 18 (now 66 yrs) and my younger sister just moved to another state. My mother is the only one who hears from either of them.

My father is 90 and when he goes into the hospital I hear about it from my mother who hear of it from my older sister. She has already stated a couple of years ago that when he dies she may just not tell either of her sisters; just bury him and leave it at that.

When my mother (86) is hospitalized I hear about it from my mother once she is home. The call is usually, "guess where I have been"

Seems I am the only one who cares about relationships. The decision was made years ago that we would NEVER exchange gifts of any kind. Last Xmas I attempted to give gifts, but my mother talked me out of doing it. The gifts did go to good use. I gave them to my oldest daughter and her daughter. A bowl intended for my mother is on my dining table.