My wife is an immigrant. Not much family here, and none within a day of us.

My parents and brother have always had reasons they weren't available. "We'd love to help but we can't get away. We're tied here. Maybe sometime soon. We know you have a lot going on, but you should see how swamped we are here. Sorry you and the family can't travel due to illness, but we have a responsibility to the neighborhood Christmas party (2 years)."

I called in sick yesterday and today. Covid type symptoms means no one asks at work. This is my self care. I need to self monitor better.

Thanks Posh for the insight.

I've felt like I've been screaming for validation and getting none. I've accomplished a lot in my work in the past 10 years. I actually didn't see it. My oldest son began pointing this out to me this year, and my new boss. That felt good, but it also made me go, why the heck are my family not seeing this stuff in me? Why am I invisible? Why aren't my accomplishments celebrated?