Family Drama

I went to the baby shower yesterday, even though I was so freaking tired from being up all night with teenagers. I just felt like it was the right thing to do.

And sure 'nuff, we had some family drama.

My mother-in-law is one of 7 children. About 5 years ago she had a falling out with her one brother-I don't want to go into great detail only because it's kind of a long story. Basically it had to do with business-John (the brother) felt that my father-in-law was cheating him during the building of his (John's) home. And I can tell you that my FIL has been in business for over 30 years, is well known for his quality work and I can tell you because I do all the bills, we don't cheat anyone. John thinks everyone is out to screw him over though, maybe because he's always out to screw over the next person.

So basically John and his wife, Betty, have not talked with my MIL, FIL, JR or me for I guess it would be 5 years. They do however, talk to my SIL because she goes out of her way to "keep the lines of communication open in hopes of a reconciliation) whereas JR and I wanted nothing to do with John and Betty after they trashed my FIL to everyone. And he did trash my FIL, horribly the whole time the house was being built. He trashed my FIL to his own employees, the subcontractors, everyone.

And even though my MIL would never admit it, this has really hurt her. And I don't want to be a part of anything that will hurt my in-laws. My SIL refuses to see that John and Betty use her to get at my in-laws-use her by inviting only her to their son's wedding, by going out of their way to talk to her in front of them while refusing to even look my in-laws in the eye.

But then I guess it's hard to look someone in the eye when you know you are wrong.

Anyway.

So we're at this baby shower, in the food line. My MIL and I on one side of the table, Betty on the other. And my MIL spoke to Betty, basically extending the olive branch.

And Betty totally dissed her.

I mean, wouldn't even acknowledge she spoke. At all.

I don't know if it was because I was tired. Or maybe it's just how I don't have any patience for bullshit right now. But I got so angry and I was all like-You have got to be kidding me! That is so stupid, can't even say hello! I know she heard me too, she scurried away, head down.

My MIL has caught so much grief from her one sister over this-Aunt Ann thinks my MIL should be the one to reach out and try to smooth things over. Even though my MIL didn't do anything wrong to begin with.

My MIL looked at me and said-And they all think I'm the bitch.

And I said-At least you can say you tried. I wouldn't do it again. The ball is in their court now.

I watched Betty the rest of the day and how she didn't talk with anyone. Except my SIL. And you know, it's really sad because she and John are both so removed from the whole family.

This Sunday is my MIL's mother's birthday party. So Uncle John and Aunt Betty will both be there.

It should be interesting.