family ties?

It has been so long since I posted and so much has happened. I was traveling for work, then I spent a week or so on my back because my hip was messed up. A few new things have happened on the baby front but what I need to talk about today is family.

I have a few books about becoming a single mom and I read all of the chapters I thought were relevant to my life. I skipped over the chapter about how to deal with non-supportive family members. I was under the impression that my entire family was behind me and I considered myself so lucky that I didn't have to worry about that.

Well, imagine my surprise when I found out that my own brother doesn't think I'm responsible enough to be a mom. Many of you reading this will find it hard to believe that he would ever say such a thing. I was too. Keep in mind that I have a Masters degree, I own my own house, I have a career, I purposely bought a car with side-curtain air bags, and I do volunteer work.

I was even more surprised with how viscious he was about it. I have felt hurt, shaken, but mostly angry. Angry because he is the last person who should be preaching to me about responsibility. For those that don't know him, I'll leave it to your imagination. It would be unethical to air his dirty laundry.

Needless to say, this is part of larger issues within my family that are now coming painfully to light. But it leaves me with doubts about how my child will be accepted. I never gave that a second thought either. Perhaps I should. I think I need to go back and read the chapters I skipped before. I hope they've got some answers for me.

As it is, I'm lining up folks who won't mind being called "aunt" or "uncle" by my kid. Let me know if you're interested. I promise my kid will color pictures for you and send you valentine's cards every year.