You're absolutely right, John!! There used to be a time when discord was rampant in our large family too... but I've made a grown-up decision it will NOT be the way I live my life anymore. I love each and every one of my family members and will not listen to criticism or gossip ever again! I have learned to embrace our differences...

Anna

Family gathering (not only yours), that reminds more
of....a competitive camp with work in progress in words
fighting battles and quarrels,....then Warm Nest with Mother's
Love, where you are always more than special.
You've mastered a very special poem, John Michael.
Thank you for sharing. Isabella.

Sorry to hear about your family's animosity. My sister and one of my younger brothers and I don't get along politically, but we still care for each other. And we all care a lot for our 87-year-old mother. You are right to visit her and show her your love regardless of what others might think about your motives for your visit.

Ron

Family fights and squabbles are hard on the heart and the soul of the one on the receiving end of their unhappiness. Many times the siblings just don't understand your point of view or the problems one is walking through in their life... or they choose not to. Every situation is different. I have walked through the valley of tears that you have and is so very hard on one's heart.

I have learned to just forgive them, but be cautious and wary not to get caught in their web of barbed words. I see them as wounded souls caught within their own web of discontentment when to forgive would be so much better for them. Our job? To pray for them and wish them well. This is not hard to do if you are a loving and forgiving Christian serving a loving and forgiving God.

Enjoy your visit with your mother knowing that you love her and need to feel her close by. I wish you a blessed visit filled with love and contentment; I hope you have some special alone time with her.

I will be thinking of you and praying for you while you are gone.

Love, Joy

Family is so impotant, yet we are caught in a web , of wondering why, things cause us sadness, when our hearts are for love and to share the many joys and happiness in our life, but somehow we cannot connect that bridge to bring us in our quest for peace, only God can makes everone, see that we seek to love.

You do what you know is right, my friend. God bless you and yours and have a great visit..

Yeah. You can't beat up mom. I lost mine at age 5. I would move heaven and earth for just 5 minutes with her. Have a great visit!