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New here and my heart is broken.....

(42 Posts)
Txcowgal Fri 27-Jun-14 23:01:35

I know there are many posts here on this same topic but sometimes people just need a cyber hug. I have been having daughter-in-law problems since their wedding day. We have one son, an only child. He dated our DIL for 4 years before marriage. Although we are not alike, we seemed to get along okay but she never wanted to warm up to me. She was always courteous and respectful and smiling. Fast forward to wedding day and beyond. Her parents have bought my son out. They have oil money and have built them a fabulous 500K home in a gated community. New vehicles. Vacations. You name it. Our only granddaughter will be 3 soon and they have allowed us to babysit one time for 2 hours and we live closer than her parents. It truly breaks my heart. We were great parents to our son. Perhaps a bit spoiling but we are truly at a loss with this. We thought we were going to gain a daughter but instead, we lost our son (and being grandparents). Yes, we blame him for doing this to us too and we realize only God can intervene with their hearts and fix this, but I had to vent. Our DIL's mother pulls all the strings and I'm afraid we are just not good enough in her eyes. She wants total control and to be the sole grandparents. It's painful and heartbreaking. Please just pray for husband and I.

Yogagirl Tue 01-Jul-14 09:39:05

Cyber huggs Tscowgalflowers at least you are seeing them, I have'nt seen my beloved GC for near on 2yrs now & my D is not my D all of my life. My nasty s.i.l & his cruel mother cut me & my other D off through jealousy as I had a very stronge & special bond with my GD which they didn't like. (Story on 'cut out of their lives' thread.) So as hard as it is for you Tscowgal just take the crumbs that are given to you & make the best of that time, I know thats not how it should be, I would give everything to see my D & GC again.
Rubylady I, like you, get emence comfort from my little dog, in fact I'm not sure I would still be here if it was not for the love I get from her, & my other D of course, but I live alone with just my little dog. Nice you are trying to help with all your advise flowers
Ninathanana your very kind & thoughtful flowers

Txcowgal Fri 18-Jul-14 07:51:56

Thank you all for the cyber hugs. I don't see anyway of this being repaired except through God. It almost seems like an on-going nightmare. I cry. My husband and I are both so hurt and at a loss of how this could happen to us. We thought we taught our son better. He knows how much we love him yet he seems okay with kicking us out of his life like we never existed. My DIL's family is so dysfunctional but they hide it so well. Our son's FIL has 5 other daughters that he has no contact with whatsoever. That's another story and sad. It's like they have created an illusion and swept people under the rug. I have learned one thing through all of this. They may have a lot of money and material things but sooner or later they will have to face their maker for all of the people they have hurt, us included. They raised their daughter to be just like them, very controlling and to cut people out of their lives because they don't fit their image. Yes, I got ripped off in the DIL department and yes, I suffer from the rejection but most of all, I suffer from not being able to be the grandma that I always dreamed of being.
For the others that posted on here on this subject, you are NOT alone. God never promised us a rose garden in life so we have to make the best of it. We have to look at the Blessings and gifts that we do have and keep living. You did nothing wrong. I know this because because I vowed to be the BEST MIL ever! I never meddled, gave advice or interfered ever but it didn't matter. It's not about us. It's about them. Unfortunately our grand babies will only know one set of grandparents but there is nothing we can do unless God intervenes. I'm thankful my granddaughter has both of her parents and they love her. I'm also grateful our son has all of his wants and needs met. We miss him. Please everyone, keep us all in your prayers!

Katybobbs91 Tue 26-Sept-17 12:59:08

Hi I'm in a similar position but mine is my daughter doesn't. Bother with me I'm the one excluded! It's so very hurtful
And a shock! I've offered so many times - but now I'm making a new life! I'm very sad ? though as I don't feel I have done anything wrong! But I have no more energy to give - they are only hurting the GC

Bluegal Tue 26-Sept-17 15:18:04

This is just so sad. I simply can't understand how adult children (boys OR girls) can do this to their parents!! Not even IF there have been issues or disagreements in the past.

When I had young children my own mother was very jealous of my in-laws. She was always trying to out do them in presents and things. If I went to see them, she would sulk; proper child like sulks! I didn't like it and we had numerous heated erm....discussions but in the end I just let her be and bit my tongue.

Just as well as my mother is now almost 90 and I am her carer too!!

However, when my children got partners I actively encouraged them to include their in-laws. One of my daughters gets on so well with her mother in law, that if I was a jealous type (like my mum) I could feel put out....but I don't...I feel there is room for everyone. Us In-laws don't actually 'hang' out a lot together but we do meet up at family gatherings and its always comfortable.

All I can say to the people who feel shut out is just BE there if and when needed, even if you feel used. Get on with your life (on the basis that we only have one life and life is for enjoying) and ...yes, get a dog! I absolutely adore my dog too and since getting him three years ago, I have met so many lovely dog walkers out and about (Of course I don't know everyone's circumstances, but if circumstances allow ).

I would continue to send little notes in with birthday/Christmas cards saying - hope to see you soon. Keep things light and friendly if you can. Hopefully when your grandchildren grow a little they may want to visit you of their own accord?

Sending Hugs to you all.....

silverlining48 Tue 26-Sept-17 19:07:40

I heard a heartwarming story today. My friend has a neighbour who had no contact with her two grandchildren over many years. She was obviously extremely upset but despite efforts on her part she did not see them.
Now 17 and 15 respectively they have been in touch and the older one a boy asked if he could come and visit/ stay with her and the girl is doing the same in a few weeks time.

MesMopTop Tue 26-Sept-17 23:47:10

Yoga girl, so so sad to read your post. Just wanted to send you some love and hugs. ????????????????

MesMopTop Tue 26-Sept-17 23:51:27

For tscow gal and all the other mans and poppas in similar situations, I fo feel for you and hope one day soon everything changes for the better. Sending you all cyber hugs and love x

Yogagirl Sun 01-Oct-17 19:17:46

Thank you MesMopTop xx
}}}Hugs{{{ for all in this sad situation and flowers too

Serkeen Sun 01-Oct-17 20:14:11

I think the first person to speak to re your grandchild is your DIL If you speak to your son it will just put him in the middle

If your DIL was polite to you it might mean that she is also kind.

You just need to speak to her women to women and let her know in the most calmest approach that you and your husband would really like to spend more time with your granddaughter, if you have never said anything she may not even know that you n your DH would like to see more of your granddaughter, ley her know that it would be lovely for your granddaughter to spend more time with you

Trust me the MIL might think she has all the reigns but MUM has the post power and if she can see things from your point of view she will/may let you see more of your GD

Please let us know how things go with it all Good luck just stay calm and be as adult as you can rather than too emotional when speaking to her smile

Serkeen Sun 01-Oct-17 20:19:00

silverlining48 that is such a lovely story I always think that when I hear stories such as this post. thank you so much for sharing that x

alchemilla Sun 01-Oct-17 23:35:45

Can you speak to your son and ask what the problem is with you visiting? If you can't, I would just keep on sending well thought out presents and card on birthdays etc - or postcards if you travel or do something interesting. And keep a brief book about your side of the family with photos so you can give it to them later.

SJP Mon 02-Oct-17 07:51:19

Blaming your son is not the answer nor I am afraid is God. Try not to see this as a big issue maternal grandparents generally have more access to the grandchildren and much will depend on how you behave. Keep it light enjoy your granddaughter when you see them her, send postcards, comics with funny and loving messages and little gifts. Try to have a conversation with your son that is constructive without pointing fingers and try to put yourself in their shoes. Be nice and forgiving you may be surprised at the results.

Anya Mon 02-Oct-17 07:57:49

This thread was 3-years old before being revived.

lemongrove Mon 02-Oct-17 08:23:40

Nobody ever seems to notice the date!

MawBroon Mon 02-Oct-17 09:51:49

So all water under the bridge by now?
Do you not often wonder how the people starting these threads have fared though?

Yogagirl Mon 02-Oct-17 15:40:57

Still the same for me, still grieving each and every day!