WiseWomenUnite.com

Wow! my heart is hurting for you both!  I had my children young (first was born during Christmas vacation of my Senior Year in High School, second born 2 days after my 18th birthday).  It is now 43 years later and they have their own lives and I love them, but realize that I have to take care of me now because nobody else will.  I am willing to help when needed (to the extent I can without endangering my emotional or financial self) but need to keep a seed in my heart to bounce back.  I am now a widow with little chance of a forever partner and have found the support of girlfriends the best medicine.

No, you are not a Crazy Mom, just another one of the confused ladies that were raised for one world and lived another.

This thread hits home for me.  I don't initiate contact with my son and his family (wife and two children) because I know they are busy and don't want to interfere in their lives.  I have turned down very few invitations to visit them, but am not as close as I should be.  It is definitely a catch-22 situation as my Dil wants me to reach out more, but the fear of rejection is just too strong for me.  I have dealt with pushy extended family before and don't want to go there.