This grude has the better of me

Dear Joseph and Mai-Lyn,

If you're reading this, I presume it's because you googled yourselves. You must have been bored.

Usually, I find it incredibly hard to hold grudges. I usually forget that I'm annoyed at the subject of the grudge, and it goes back to business as usual. However, I find it immensely difficult to get over how you have treated my parents. I'm not sure how you think they have wronged you, but I assure you there was never any intent on their part to hurt you at all. I apologise unreservedly on their behalf if they inadvertently caused you any distress. Furthermore, any differences in opinion you may have had on the subjects of WIC or a certain ex-WIC pastor are water under the bridge as far as they are concerned.

Despite this, I feel that your continued ignoring of them, and exclusion of them from our family is completely unacceptable. From my point of view, they have made an effort to extend olive branches to you through their phone calls and dinner invitations. However, you have made no effort to reconcile with them whatsoever. You persist in excluding them from your lives. I cannot understand how you feel justified in doing so. Even if you DO think that they have wronged you, I feel you owe it to them, and more importantly, to God, to at least attempt to sort out your differences in a forgiving and loving attitude.

I find your lack of consideration for your uncle and aunt, who have always had your best interests at heart, absolutely appalling. Have you not considered that they are still greiving for the loss of their daughter? To show them such disrespect as you have done has only compounded the pain they feel. I find it hypocritical of you to be so concerned with "justice" being done to said ex-WIC pastor on one hand, and being so inconsiderate and unloving towards your own flesh and blood on the other.

I personally feel immensely hurt and betrayed by my own cousins. Your failure to stand by my parents, despite whatever differences of opinion you may have, absolutely disgusts me. I cannot believe that you would treat your own relatives this way. You have made social pariahs out of my parents, who would NEVER intentionally fall out with ANYONE, and at a time when they have needed the support of their family THE MOST.

As tempting as it is to conclude this letter with "YOU SUCK", I'm going to walk away from this and try and forgive you. I've always encouraged my parents to be the bigger people in this situation, and I will continue to do that. But you should not be unaware of the damage you have caused.

Sincerely,

Em