Ha ha! Definitely a Venting thread!
Yup. I've had my share of it too.
I like people, dogs, cats, horses & friends, but hate my family's manners sometime. LOL
Even acquaintances, will often help you out or keep you posted. But family? Forget it! Asked face to face, they probably will follow through, but if it's a general invite, they don't bother to notify you.
I planned a large family garden plot for all of us to use. Lot's of input from them! We'll be there to weed and hoe off and on. But, when I broke my foot after getting garden tilled up, did anyone show up to help plant or weed? Of course not. They're family, they'll wait until next year when I can do it all. My garden is fallow now, and will be much smaller next year. Ta hell with 'em! LOL I tried to share.
Same with smoking or cooking food they like. Asked if anyone would want to go in with me on cost a little bit. No, we don't use saver bags, or why should we buy charcoal, and etc. But then, it's when are you gonna give me some of that good stuff. LOL
At least my son is giving me some fish for my efforts. That's a good trade to me. It offsets the cost somewhat, if you price it out in the store, but then again... I seldom buy smoked fish in a store. Maybe twice a year. But he's provided me enough to learn some better, more correct way of treating it and smoking. He's a good boy. (Well, not quite a boy, he's 47 now) But he is "MY" boy!
We were estranged for many years due to his mother. But enough on that. I'm just thankful to have in my life again. Feels very good.
There! Now, I've vented also, and it felt damned good too!
All that said... I wouldn't trade my family for anything. We are a family, and we are what we are. But let an outsider say what I just did, about them, and they would be all over them. Don't say that about my family. (tools & fists, may be occasionally used on outsiders) LOL
They are my family, and I love them all, what is left. We've lost 3 brothers and two sisters so far, plus of course our parents. Mom lived over 100 years. She had to endure seeing some of her kids die before she did. I always felt bad for her on that score.
There is still 2 brothers, 1 sister and myself to compete with though. And compete, we do, even though we are too old for it LOL
Family is family. Forgive and love 'em anyway, and invite them again next year. You won't always have them with you. And regrets of a non-invite will weigh on your heart then.
God bless you all, and you just KNOW, you'll do it all over again! LOL
edited: correction... lost 2 brother and 2 sister.
