Posted by octopusprime on November 1, 2004, at 20:32:24
In reply to Family party, posted by fallsfall on November 1, 2004, at 17:42:32
hey falls,
that reminds me of the stilted awkwardness of family get-toethers in my teenage years (and my early twenties).
it's hard to know what to say to relatives you don't see much. it's especially hard for somebody young, who might have many exciting things in his life (to him) that he definitely would not feel comfortable sharing with older folks!!!
if your father is not comfortable with assisted living, he may have been afraid of a confrontation and that's why he cut the visit short. i know how my grandparents despised the concept when my mom would bring it up. and then everybody is acting weird, on their best behaviour, with all the interesting bits left unsaid in the interest of having a nice polite dinner.
also maybe your father is not feeling well?
so it's functional. it's family obligation. but it's not necessarily enjoyable.
ps - my family get togethers are not like that now ... but then again i live across the country from much of my family and grandma and grandpa are dead :-/
pps - i too am sure that dinner was lovely and your son appreciated your efforts
poster:octopusprime
thread:410258
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041026/msgs/410349.html