Member-only story
Wisdom from the War Front
When Estrangement Hits Home
To speak or not to speak. That is the question.
I am a member of a private Facebook page for Christian parents who are estranged from their children.
If the internet could weep, my computer would be drenched in tears.
Most of the messages are from hurting moms who are crying out for understanding, affirmation, and direction as they tread the rocky road of estrangement from a beloved child.
Recently a member said she felt anxious about her upcoming birthday. Her estranged son usually sends a perfunctory text and she wasn’t sure how to respond to him. This is the gist of her post.
My son sends me four texts a year: Happy Easter, Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Birthday, and Merry Christmas. My birthday is next week and I am dreading it because I keep wondering how to respond to his text. He wants me to just say “thanks” and that’s it.
I really want to tell my son how I’m feeling, but my husband doesn’t think that’s a good idea. He told me to just say “thanks.” I don’t…
