https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:44:08 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665647 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:32:11 +0000 cat620 2665647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: We were close when I was a child, but as I grew up, they started acting very negative toward me. It's a shame we couldn't remain close, but every interaction we had was hurtful in some way, so I figured it was better not to have them in my life.</p> <p>I am planning to send a card. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665646 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:31:41 +0000 erinbaderin 2665646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would send a card. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665642 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:30:02 +0000 cat620 2665642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: I'm not concerned for my family's safety. I don't think they would every harm us, but they are very negative people who constantly talked bad about me and didn't show up when they were supposed to be there for me. That's mainly why I stopped communicating with them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665597 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 06:29:32 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2665597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Something very similar happened in my family. My cousin/ my mom's niece had an apartment fire. My cousin has two small kids I have never met and I think my mom met once when visiting her sister and her brother (cousin's father) came over. My mom has strong feelings about her brother and niece, which I don't share, but none the less we are not close and I don't have anyone's contact info. Anyway, my mom talked about sending clothes to her niece's children, but in the end did not. The thought never crossed my mind to reach out or better yet reach out to other family to get her number. </p> <p>In your case, it sounds like you did have more of a relationship with your aunt and uncle before not speaking. Since you feel sad about their loss I would reach out. A card with a little spending money would probably be very helpful in a moment like this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665574 Thu, 15 Dec 2016 00:06:02 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2665574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would reach out, but without the expectation of their acknowledgement. Send a card, offer support, or whatever else you think is appropriate. But, I would not expect them to reestablish a relationship or anything like that. </p> <p>Also, do it because you want to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665571 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 23:46:11 +0000 autumnlove 2665571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would reach out as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665562 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:29:49 +0000 808love 2665562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Drop a line to check in. Life changes and so do people when tragedy hits. Every positive interaction heals/helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665560 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:17:43 +0000 Mrsbells 2665560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: i would call them to offer support. Their house burning down is a pretty big thing and they are family after all </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665559 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:10:15 +0000 Mama Bird 2665559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I'd reach out unless it was the kind of estranged where I'm concerned for my family's safety or mental health if these relatives are back in my life. I'd do it for a neighbor... so I guess it's only fair to do as much for a relative I'm not close with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665555 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 21:37:42 +0000 yoursilverlining 2665555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely reach out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/estranged-family-members-going-through-tragedy#post-2665552 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 21:31:44 +0000 cat620 2665552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I won't get into all the details of my relationship with my aunt and uncle, but I will say there were many negative interactions that led to us being estranged - one of them being when they canceled their RSVP two days before my wedding for no reason. I don't hate them, but I feel like they never had anything positive to add to my life, so I stopped making an effort to communicate with them, and they did the same to me. We haven't spoken in almost 5 years now. </p> <p>Last night, their house burned down. Nobody is sure what caused it yet, but they lost all their belongings. I feel sad for them, and I can't imagine what they are going through. However, I'm not sure what to do in this situation. We don't live close to each other, so I don't think anyone is expecting me to go visit them. But should I send a card or do something to show I care? Would they find it odd to hear from me all of a sudden? Any advice? </p>