at Christmas.
Husband's sibling dynamic is ironic and strange, though mostly warm and loving. Of the 4, 3 are die-hard progressive Dems, including my husband. The one who is more local - who we will see at Christmas - is a fundamentalist. Let's face it, a christofascist. Yet, she and my husband are their 94 yr. old (declining) mom's main caregivers - and we have a loving warm relationship with her! Weird. We are able to 100% avoid talking politics or social issues with her, tho she knows where we stand!
My MIL is failing, which is so hard to see. A part of me just wishes to get it over with, because she is suffering. I feel guilty about that. She lived independently till she was 93 and led a privileged life interspersed with deep heartache and tragedy - but overall a good life and is well-loved by her kids.
My 29 year old firebrand daughter is flying in for a couple days so she will be with us. Even my daughter now grasps that the family bonds outweigh the vast political breach!
My sister with rampant mental health and other struggles is 3000 miles away. I finally heard from her yesterday and she is on a pretty good trajectory right now, thank goddess. I love her sons but rarely interact with them, as they are far away. After some struggles they too seem to be on solid footing for now.
Thank you so much for your reply, Atticus! It's helping me to process and see some things to feel positive about!