Beyond Understanding

There are some things that I just don't understand. Richard and the younger boys went to Poppi & Mimi's house today. They went down there for a karate tournament that ended up taking all day. Poppi got to see James compete. James asked if Mimi would be coming too. Mimi had already said that she probably wouldn't be able to go because she might be needed to drive some youth to the temple. So...while they were at the house this morning, she got the call that she wouldn't be needed. James immediately mentioned that maybe she could come now. She hemmed and hawed around about not feeling well and promptly retreated to her bedroom.

That afternoon, when they were playing a game, Richard was trying to show Poppi something on his phone. Mimi came out of her "abode," began talking about Richard's sister and on and on and on...then retreated again. Not a word was said about James's tournament, our family, Eli coming home--nothing. It's all about her and "her" kids and "her" grandkids. Ours don't count. Richard was already having a very long day, but managed to bite his tongue. But it really bothered him--and that's saying something. Usually it bothers me and he just shrugs. I'm glad I wasn't there.

I worry about what I will say when someday (and it will be soon, I fear) James figures out that Mimi just doesn't love him like she loves his cousins. It's very sad and I just cannot comprehend it. Poppi will be here tomorrow for Eli's "homecoming." I'll bet doughnuts to dollars that Mimi will be too tired or sick or whatever to make it. How pathetic. I know that I should just let it go--I shouldn't let it bother me. But every once in a while we reach out--just so we can keep Poppi in the loop--and every time we do, I am reminded of how much work I still need to do in the forgiveness aspect.

Oh well...in the long run, she's the one who's missing out. We will continue to raise our boys and live our lives and she has chosen not to be a part of it. We'll invite, but we'll not make a special trip down there unless invited. It's just sad to me.