I called George, Dimitri’s father, the man who through his own pigheadedness hasn’t spoken to his children in over three years, and who didn’t show for my wedding, Athena’s wedding, or the kids’ baptisms even though he lives a few miles away, and said something like this:
“Hi George, this is Jennifer, you remember me…Dimitri’s…wife, your…er…daughter-in-law. I know that we haven’t talked in a long time but it’s Christmas and we’d really like you to meet your grandkids. We’re going to dinner with Alexa [Dim and Athena’s 13 year-old half-sister through George] tonight and we’d like to stop by after dinner so you can see the babies.
“I know that Athena called you yesterday and asked for a call back and hasn’t heard from you yet, so I thought maybe you didn’t get the message [I thought I’d provide him with an excuse.]. We’d really like for you to meet and play with the babies, but we need to know that you’ll be home first. PLEASE, George, give me at call at XXX-XXXX and let us know if you’ll be home or if there’s another day that we can come by.
“It’s really important for you to call, George, please. Thanks.”
It makes me sad that he is so petty, prideful, and, well, hollow that he won’t speak to his own children for years at a time. I don’t even remember what his initial reason for his silence was. He can’t get over his own ego to meet his grandkids. *sigh*
Realistically, I don’t think that he will call, but I secretly hope that he will.
Posted by Jen at December 20, 2006 5:07 PMYou know, after all I have been through lately I have learned a number of things. Most of all to not hold grudges and life is short. Dax won't likely have any grandfather once he gets older. My Dad recently died at 51 and Nicole's Dad is no spring chicken shall we say.
These people, like George, don't realize how short life is and how it can change in the blink of an eye. I wish people saw the errors of their ways so they could learn to appreciate all the good things in their life. I don't know if that made sense for what I was trying to say. I think you get the idea.
Posted by: Ryland at December 20, 2006 9:20 PMi hope that you will hear from him. christmas should be a time for the entire family to gather together, forget the past and enjoy the present. if george chooses not to call it will be his loss because he will be the one missing a big and loving family.
Posted by: kath's mom at December 21, 2006 8:52 AM