My mother sent B a birthday card. It arrived today. Once again, like I did with my youngest - I decided to let her decide if she wanted it or not. H elected to open it because she hoped for a gift card or money. Instead my mother sent a savings bond.
She did the same thing for B. The savings bond also arrived today. B opened the card and then tossed it aside. I'll put in in my burn pile.

Yes, I was disappointed that they both decided to open the cards. I wanted to refuse both pieces of mail so they'd be returned to sender so that she stops this nonsense. Oh wait... she s psycho so she'd probably re-send it.

This is my mother's way of trying to make her presence known in our home. She thinks that by 'winning back' the kids I will change my mind. I won't. My decision is final... I still want nothing to do with her. The girls have told me they do not want anything to do with her. She scared them so badly that bringing up her name in this house creates anxiety. So we just don't. We're moving on with our lives, happy and closer than ever without her overbearing opinions lingering over us.

Rob passed away, peacefully with Kim sleeping by his side this morning.

It is a comfort knowing he will not have to endure pain or suffering, but holy hell. He was 57. He was young, healthy before the cancer and active. I guess that is the story of this terrible disease.

Rob was one of the nicest people I knew. Kind, caring and generous. He had a great sense of humor and was always smiling. And hardworking - he owned a construction company that built homes and condos. He did a lot of the work himself. He was business and financially savvy. He was a good man and will surely be missed.