More importantly, my brother has remained a good, kind-hearted person throughout the ups and downs of his life’s journey. To say I’m a proud big brother would be an understatement.
This is so genuine and lovely <3I love how it acknowledges that, while we may love our family, we're not always guaranteed they'll be good people. Still, of course yours was. Must run in the family.
Beautiful trip down memory lane, Eric!
Thank you! We have a few relatives with questionable character but, thankfully they reside outside of our immediate family...and are kept outside of the "circle of trust". : )
Man, I feel that. I sometimes fall back on the "but they're family!" argument. Then I remember the thing about who you keep around you and protecting your energy and...nah.
Yes! Family is different. For the really toxic ones I stay congenial but keep a healthy distance and proper boundaries. It's so easy to fall back into the "this time will be different" or "maybe they've changed" mindset. Most people don't change, sadly, (unless they really have a strong desire to and are willing to do the work) it's like trying to override an operating system.
I feel learning that has been hands down my favorite lesson of the past few years. It's very useful, even if it at first seems bitter/depressing.
It sure can make life a lot easier though! Lol.