‘It’s Just A Meeting, My Son Said When I Didn’t Receive An Invitation To His Big Engagement Party. So I Transferred Back The $25k From The Honeymoon Fund And Updated The Flights I Had Arranged For Them.

“And Sunday dinners were initiated by me—cooking your favorite meals each week because I wanted to ensure you were eating well.”

He shifted uncomfortably. But I continued, needing to complete this long overdue clarification. “I have never, not once in your 32 years, asked you to organize your life around my needs.”

“Quite the opposite.”

“I built my entire business, my schedule, even this home specifically to support your goals and dreams, which I did gladly because I love you.”

“But that doesn’t mean I don’t exist as a person in my own right.”

“With feelings that deserve consideration.”

“So what are you saying?” he demanded.

“That I’m ungrateful? That I owe you for being a parent?”

“No.”

I felt suddenly tired. “Parenting isn’t a transaction.”

“I chose to have you, to raise you, to support you, and I don’t regret any of it.”

“What I’m saying is that relationships evolve.”

“And ours needs to.”

“You’re building a new family with Vanessa, which is natural and right.”

“But in that process, you’ve treated me as disposable.”

“Someone whose feelings don’t need consideration.”

Continue reading…