A man recounts the family estrangement following his mother's death six years ago and his subsequent heart attack, which went unacknowledged by other family members. He seeks advice on how to reconnect with his estranged brother and family.
Published: Dec. 01, 2024, 4:00 a.m. DEAR ABBY : Six years ago, my family lost my mother, who was the rock of our family. Two weeks after that, my family started falling apart. My older brother, younger sister and I no longer speak. My brother and I got in a physical confrontation and haven’t spoken since.
A year later, I suffered a massive heart attack. I was at death’s door. My doctors said it was a miracle I survived. I’m blessed to be here, but since then, not one family member has reached out. The story of my survival was all over social media and even on a few TV newscasts. My heart function is low, and I had a defibrillator implanted.
I have been missing my family more and more, but I’m also afraid my heart will get broken. We have made mistakes, and I know I’m also at fault. I feel awful about what happened, but I’m hurt that no one reached out to my wife or daughter asking if I was OK or if they needed anything. I recently had some contact with my brother’s son, and we have been texting, but I have yet to hear from my brother. My family is growing with grandkids, and I would love to reconnect our families before it’s too late. Is it too late? -- ESTRANGED IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR ESTRANGED: Maybe, maybe not. If you haven’t already, write or call your brother and make a formal apology for what happened between you. While you are at it, do the same with the rest of your family members. Tell them you are sorry, that none of you is getting any younger and you would like to be part of the family again. I can’t predict the outcome, but this would be a good start. I wish you luck. With the passage of time, people sometimes gain a better perspective.
Family Estrangement Heart Attack Reconciliation Dear Abby Family Reconnection
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