
It’s big of you to want to forgive your mom and try to move on, but she has not changed and does not get it. Eventually she will share photos (holidays, or snapped on her phone while you aren’t looking) and she will not understand what is wrong with that. She will also mention to the kids about each other’s existence on both sides. She’s already shown you that.
I would cut her out, and permanently this time. Eventually when you hear from the SIL (because your mother will actually tell them, if she has not already), tell her that she married a monster and that’s why you refuse contact, and if she tries to contact you again or get access to your child in any way including photos then you will track down her children and let them know in great detail what a monster their father is. |
No, no more so than any other. |
If the brother was also a child when all this occurred, does this label actually fit him? |
You are not a prosecutor , these crimes do get prosecuted. Not as often as justice would call for but it happens. |
I think your mom just wants to appear normal and like you said really cares more about her own reputation and relationship to others than to you. I have the same mom and similar situation so I know. She wasn't good at protecting you then and won't now because all she knows how to do is protect herself. I don't know why you asked her to do anything for you. You know you are not her top priority and I'm sure she knows she will never be healthy in your eyes. I'm sure she reached out simply to have a relationship with your child and not you. I'd only do it if you wanted to give her the gift of photos to share with others since she really only cares about keeping up appearances and another one way relationship with your child to appear a doting grandma. It's narcissism and they can't change. You need therapy to figure out why you keep asking people to do things that their personality shows they can't and won't do. Either have a relationship that you know they will never do you a favor for or ever say they are sorry or drop the relationship. This person can only do anything for you where they are viewed as all good. |
OP, as you know, this is so f-Ed up. I’m sorry. Your mom failed you in the worst way a parent can. Your daughter is lucky to have you. |
Just want to say that I have a similar mom, but absent the SA in my history. I worked hard to curate some type of grandmother role for her when my first child was born. She was on better and sometimes even good behavior for a few years. Of course I had fo be very careful around her to maintain a semblance of a peaceful relationship. Fast forward a few years and the other side of her came out more and more. Finally I had enough and cut her off but now my daughter is asking why we don’t see grandma etc… I’ve told her enough so she has an answer but she is still too young for me to elaborate and I don’t think I ever fully will as I don’t want that drama in her head.
Point is, this is an opportune time to let things be as they are and not put effort into this relationship that is unhealthy and stressful. More trouble will come. I agree with those saying to go to therapy to process. I still struggle with the desire for there to be a mother relationship, but I realize more and more this is a natural desire for a mother figure and not actually a desire for the mother I was fated to have. |
+1000 This is excellent advice, OP. There is NO NEED for you to have a relationship with your mother. All it is going to do is create anxiety, worry and potentially more heartbreak. Let your mother go ... |