My father and his brother were estranged for over 40 years, so I haven’t seen my uncle in decades. However, on a whim, I decided to send him a Christmas card this year. To my surprise, my uncle and aunt were touched by the gesture and sent me roses and candy in return. My sister, on the other hand, believes that reaching out to our uncle goes against our father’s wishes and might upset our mother. She thinks I should honor our father’s grievance.
Growing up, I often had to navigate my mother’s grudges and protectiveness. But I believe that we are individuals first and foremost, not merely an extension of our parents. I admire the kindness you showed to your uncle, and I don’t think it diminishes your love for your father in any way. It’s up to you to decide how to proceed next – whether to continue reaching out to your uncle or not. Trust your instincts and focus on spreading kindness rather than getting involved in old family feuds.
As for the issue of airport pickups, it’s understandable that you and your spouse prefer to pick up older guests or those traveling with young children. However, when friends your age who live in cities ask for information that they could easily find online, you may feel frustrated. It’s important to set boundaries and communicate your preferences clearly. You can politely suggest that they use their phones to look up the information they need, especially if they seem to be hinting at needing a ride. It’s okay to prioritize your own convenience and not feel obligated to provide transportation for everyone.