Dear Gwen, Thanksgiving dinner only for my children this year!

Dear Gwendolyn: Last night I had a most disturbing call from my sister. She called to inform me of her anger that I am only having Thanksgiving dinner for myself and my children. Growing up, my parents would have a huge Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration. I tried to explain to my sister that this year I only want to celebrate with my children. There is a reason for my decision. I raised my children alone while my sister has had three husbands who provided for her a good living financially. Both of my children, a son and a daughter, are good children. My daughter is scheduled to graduate from college in May and has been accepted into law school. My son has an interest to become a medical doctor. My sister has always been jealous of me. She thinks it is wrong that I don’t want her son and two girls to mix with my children. Gwendolyn, what do you think? -Gladys

Dear Gladys: I commend you for taking a stand against your sister. People tend to think just because you are kin, you should be close to the point you become as they are. To mix your children with your sister’s children would 99 percent end in tragedy. Instead of your daughter becoming a lawyer, she would become a drug addict as her cousins. And your son instead of becoming a medical doctor would 99 percent find himself behind bars with his cousin. They would rob as a team. Gladys, you are doing right and I know it hurts, but your decision is a must. Prepare your turkey with all the trimmings and enjoy your children. You are not alone as there are many in your situation. Let me tell you this: Families try so hard to hold on to ‘family bond,’ but often that cannot be done. Think about it. Sometimes you have no choice except to love family – from a distance.

E-mail Gwendolyn Baines at gwenbaines@hotmail.com.