I’m four days away from my foot surgery, and I feel very small. My husband and, surprisingly, my mother-in-law are fussing over what I’ll need, but my flesh and blood relatives don’t seem very interested. I really don’t want much. I hate having people around me when I’m recovering from something, in fact, but it…
Parent-child communication
I Got a Text!
A few weeks ago, I sent my formerly troubled teen turned estranged adult daughter a text to let her know her yoga membership that I’d been paying for would expire at the end of the month. After being ignored about everything else, it was just a one liner stating the facts. There was no emotion…
At This Place and Time
Where am I today? In some ways, I’m in a very good place with my relationship with each daughter. My older daughter and I have gotten back to our close bond and even took a trip together recently. It was the first time I’d seen her since Mothers Day weekend, eight months ago. We used…
I Was Set Up Again
You’ve gotta be kidding me. I thought I was on an upswing with my older daughter after a few agonizing months of silence. Starting with my birthday a few weeks ago, we’d been texting back and forth, and it was, if nothing else, pleasant. It seemed we were on the mend from the setup in…
I Lasted the Summer, but I’m Fading
It’s now been four and a half months since my younger daughter has spoken a single word to me, and other than a weird phone call, three months for my older daughter. I’ve joined some Facebook groups for people experiencing estrangement and, while it provides some comfort knowing that I’m not alone, my membership doesn’t…
Still Struggling to Find My Place
Time is moving fast, and I don’t know where to go. I’m literally lost. I thought by now I’d have come to terms with my new fate, but I’m falling deeper and deeper into a confused depression. I don’t know what to do or who to turn to. My husband is a good listener, but…
The Days Go On
Though I’m getting used to the silence, I must admit, my heart is still broken. You wouldn’t know it by my words or how I manage to navigate my days, but the heaviness is always there. One day last week, it was literal. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack, but it was…
Notes on My Estrangement
What is estrangement? Estrangement is defined as the state of being alienated or separated from someone with whom one was once close or had a strong emotional connection. It often refers to the breakdown of a relationship, such as within families, friendships, or partnerships, leading to a loss of communication, understanding, or affection. In my…
Even Worse Six Months Later (Part 2)
June 18, 2025 My older daughter, on the other hand, had warmed up a little, and we had some nice conversations, all with me initiating contact. But here’s the turn of events with her: I’m in my summer home now, where I’m trying to relax and enjoy myself. A lot of our time revolves around…
Even Worse Six Months Later (Part 1)
6/18/2025 Well, it’s official. My children are done with me. I’m stunned and heartbroken, but I’m doing whatever I can to handle it and live my life. After not doing too much of a chase & beg, I was able to feel a little back to normal with my older daughter, while my younger one…









