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Shipwack

(2,630 posts)
17. I know you aren't asking for advice, but I was in a similar situation once.
Wed Mar 19, 2025, 01:48 AM
Mar 19

I was estranged from my father for many years because he condemned me for marrying outside my race.

One day I learned through family he was in the VA hospital after having a diabetic coma. He wanted to talk to me.

I automatically refused, but my then wife convinced me to call him anyway.

Without going into details, we somewhat reconciled. When he unexpectantly died a couple of days later, I was a lot less conflicted than I would have been if I had refused to talk to him.

Your mileage will vary... but if I may make a suggestion, err on the side of kindness.

Recommendations

5 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Set some limits and then love the sinner and hate the sin. marble falls Mar 19 #1
K&R: Exactly the right advice. Raven Mar 19 #23
Great advice, MF SheltieLover Mar 19 #32
I'm sorry. hamsterjill Mar 19 #2
This message was self-deleted by its author LoisB Mar 19 #3
For you: LoisB Mar 19 #4
Thanks! Coventina Mar 19 #6
Ah my dear Coventina . . . CaliforniaPeggy Mar 19 #5
CP, you are a National Treasure!! Coventina Mar 19 #7
Thank you! CaliforniaPeggy Mar 19 #8
So sorry 🤗 Meowmee Mar 19 #9
I'm sorry. RockRaven Mar 19 #10
Hugs for you. You are by no means alone in this dilemma 💔 Hekate Mar 19 #11
The hate is not his. It came from outside. usonian Mar 19 #12
Very good bdamomma Mar 19 #26
I'm sorry for the pain you are going through. HeartsCanHope Mar 19 #13
This is a bad situation for you Wifes husband Mar 19 #14
Good advise,,, oldsoldierfadingfast Mar 19 #33
I'm so sorry. In a similar situation except we mutually decided no contact was best...lots of abuse when I LiberalLoner Mar 19 #15
Hugs. Do you have siblings/close family members who can talk with you about this? irisblue Mar 19 #16
I know you aren't asking for advice, but I was in a similar situation once. Shipwack Mar 19 #17
I can relate bdamomma Mar 19 #27
I'm sorry ibegurpard Mar 19 #18
I actually had been thinking about Cha Mar 19 #19
I am so sorry to hear all of this. Behind the Aegis Mar 19 #20
I understand all too well. no_hypocrisy Mar 19 #21
I had a similar situation with my mom Cloudhopper Mar 19 #22
Sorry about bdamomma Mar 19 #24
Try and separate his contribution to your development malaise Mar 19 #25
Sorry to see this. I get you. My dear aunt, who was so sweet, thought Trump was great. mucholderthandirt Mar 19 #28
Put it aside for awhile... MiHale Mar 19 #29
So much good advice. I add my hugs and wishes that you find peace moving forward. flor-de-jasmim Mar 19 #30
Family is family stoned Mar 19 #31
I'm so saddened to learn of the circumstance you find yourself in, Coventina. SheltieLover Mar 19 #34
I am so sorry LetMyPeopleVote Mar 19 #35
There is hope indusurb Mar 19 #36
Yes I do mgardener Mar 19 #37
I don't know either, but... Sweet Freedom Mar 19 #38
FWIW People in their deathbeds don't think about politicians or the news dalton99a Mar 19 #39
I have to gently disagree with you in this case with my dad and me. Coventina Mar 19 #42
It's sad that the con man is part of his spiritual credo dalton99a Mar 19 #44
Consider he reached out to you at a time he likely feels very vulnerable karynnj Mar 19 #40
Please see my post #42 above. n/t Coventina Mar 19 #43
There's No Right Answer ProfessorGAC Mar 19 #41
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