Hello WendyE... I don't know if we chatted or not but that's not you, it's me not remembering.

Wow so sorry for all your heartache. It is refreshing to hear that your son wishes to have a relationship with you.

As for the anger, well, IMHO it never does US any good to hold onto anger. It often causes us to act like the very ppl we are angry at! Try and NOT GIVE HER PERMISSION to make you angry. Try and rise above the family's tricks... it isn't easy.. ppl like this I call Looters and they are experts at making others feel guilty for behaving correctly.

While the anger won't do you any real good, remembering their tricks and hateful actions will. No one has to give another any forgiveness ever. First of all, forgiveness requires their admitting wrong, and asking for forgiveness. If you forget, then you only set yourself up to be abused again... and God doesn't ask that of us.

Others might tell you to forgive is only Christian, but IMHO, there's much more to it. If you feel it's in your best interest to forgive, do so, but there's NOTHING that requires you to continue having any contact with these looters!!!

Work at helping your son understand this also... bad things happen, ppl can be hateful and harmful... and how to treat each other as you develop a good relationship of trust and love. Good wishes.

<font color=blue> meditation is a true way to connect to the Source </font color=blue>