A Texas grandma is writing to Dear Abby, expressing her deep hurt and disappointment at being kept away from her new grandson by his mother's family. Despite having never had any issues with Noelle or her parents before, they've made it clear that they don't want Grandma involved in the child's life. In fact, Noelle and her baby haven't been to visit Grandma's house since the baby's birthday five months ago.
To make matters worse, when Grandma took her own children to celebrate the baby's first birthday, she was snubbed by Noelle's parents, who didn't even invite their daughter-in-law. The grandma is heartbroken because she feels like an outsider and that the family is excluding her from this special time in her life.
Abby advises Grandma to have a talk with her son, who seems oblivious to the situation, but if that doesn't work, then maybe he'll understand when his mom does. Abby suggests that Grandpa take the lead and express how Grandma feels about being kept out of the picture.
Meanwhile, another reader, Conflicted in California, is struggling to come to terms with his own loss after his wife's passing from stage-4 breast cancer. He's considering getting back into dating but feels guilty about it, fearing that he'll hurt himself or others if he moves on too quickly.
Abby advises Conflicted to seek out a female therapist instead of a romantic partner for emotional support and guidance during this difficult time. She suggests joining a grief support group as an alternative option. By doing so, Conflicted can address his guilt and find a healthy way to heal without putting himself or others at risk.
To make matters worse, when Grandma took her own children to celebrate the baby's first birthday, she was snubbed by Noelle's parents, who didn't even invite their daughter-in-law. The grandma is heartbroken because she feels like an outsider and that the family is excluding her from this special time in her life.
Abby advises Grandma to have a talk with her son, who seems oblivious to the situation, but if that doesn't work, then maybe he'll understand when his mom does. Abby suggests that Grandpa take the lead and express how Grandma feels about being kept out of the picture.
Meanwhile, another reader, Conflicted in California, is struggling to come to terms with his own loss after his wife's passing from stage-4 breast cancer. He's considering getting back into dating but feels guilty about it, fearing that he'll hurt himself or others if he moves on too quickly.
Abby advises Conflicted to seek out a female therapist instead of a romantic partner for emotional support and guidance during this difficult time. She suggests joining a grief support group as an alternative option. By doing so, Conflicted can address his guilt and find a healthy way to heal without putting himself or others at risk.
The situation with the Texas grandma is just heart-wrenching! It's like she's being slowly erased from her own family's life. I mean, five months have passed since that baby's birthday, and still no visits? That's a huge red flag for me. And to make it worse, not even an invitation to celebrate the kid's first birthday with her own grandkids? That's just cold, you know? 
. Seekin' out therapy and support groups is the way to go – it's not selfish, it's necessary! 
... like, what's up with Noelle's fam being so cold? Grandma's been there for her through thick and thin, and now she's getting the silent treatment? That's just harsh 
. And yeah, Grandpa needs to step in and tell his son that Grandma's feelings aren't being ignored 
... or maybe just have a talk with Noelle herself and be like, "Hey, I'm hurt you're keeping us out of the picture 
". Can't believe Conflicted is struggling to move on after losing his wife though 
. It's like, she's always been there for her son and grandkids, never caused any problems, and now they're shutting her out? That must be super hurtful. I think what Abby said about Grandma talking to her son first is a good idea, but maybe it's also important for Grandpa to have a heart-to-heart with Noelle's parents too 
. Can't imagine how sad it is for Conflicted though 
. And yeah, seeking out a therapist or support group could be really helpful in dealing with those feelings 
But seriously, Noelle's parents need to get their act together and stop being so dramatic about it. Like, Grandma's just trying to be a cool aunt (even if she is 50 years old 
). And btw, what's with the whole "we don't want Grandma involved" vibe? Is that even a thing anymore? Grandmas are like, super important for a reason! 
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Grandma sounds super hurt n I feel 4 her, it's not cool that she's bein left out of her grandson's life 
and grandma's supposed to be there celebrating! and then to be snubbed by the parents? no wonder she feels like an outsider... abby's advice is kinda weak tho, if i were grandma i'd just have a blunt convo with my son about what's going on and maybe get some support from her own fam members. poor grandma 
. And what's with the dad just taking Abby's advice without even having a chat with his mom? It's not like he's oblivious or anything, maybe he's more aware than he's letting on 
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