So I am not sure how to make such a long story short but I'm gonna try!
My parents and I have had a very hot and cold relationship for years. Growing up my mom was sort of like another sibling and my Dad was unpredictable. It's like when you got out of bed in the moring you didn't know if you were going to have a GREAT day or a HORRIBLE day! Very unstable for young kids. There was never any physical abuse but he was under a TON of pressure and didn't know how to handle it I think.
So as an adult all of my siblings (I have 3) have distanced themselves geographically from them. (Like across the country) I have tried to have a good relationship with them. It's so hard. Especially since I've been married I've found it harder and harder to make an effort with them.
Well DH and I go to church (literally) in my parents backyard. Their backyard and the church parking lot touch. My father has never been to church a day in his life.
A couple weeks ago our message at church was called "Dealing with Eeyore" it was about how to handle super negative people in your life. I cried through both weeks of the message. It hit so close to home and I decided it was time to *try* to do something about it.
My mom says that she thinks that lately my Dad is consumed with guilt and regret about the past and doesn't know how to handle it.
DORK ALERT*** when me and my little sister were kids and my Dad wasn't quite so stressed with life (the older two were off to college) we had this thing where every friday night just my dad and me and my sister would go somewhere. Just anywhere, it didn't matter. And we called it the RAC
(Running Around Club!!!
) My mom said that lately my Dad has been saying that whenhe looks back at the past those are the memories he chooses because they are the really happy onees for him. Anyway... back to my story, in case anyone is still reading
So this past week I wrote my Dad a letter (talking about emotions in our family just doens't happen, keep that in mind) I was a nervouse wreck thinking it would start a big family fued. I also made a scrapbook page for the RAC with old pictures. It was so cute. I sent them both in the mail. I'm a chicken
The letter just explained how much it would mean to me if he would just give our church a chance, and that I didn't want to pressure him and if he said no I'd never ask again. And that I think it might help him start to deal with some of the past, as it has for me. Again, my dad has never gone to church a day in his life and doesn't have a real great view of church.
So anyway... I take the box to the post office and the second the woman put it in the slot I wanted to jump in after it! I've been sick all week wishing I'd never sent it.
The letter ended by me saying "When I was a teenager and wanted to do soemthing wtih my friends and you said No you'd always tell me that you only did it because you cared and that if you didn't love me you'd just let me go, well I am only doing this because I care. If I didn't love you I'd just let you go"
So he should have gotten the box yesterday, but no phone call. I was really starting to regret ever sending it.
At 9pm last night he called to ask what time he needs to be ready to go on Sunday morning
Hey, SheKnows Guest - we need you! The SheKnows TTC boards aren't going anywhere - but perhaps you'd consider helping us grow our 
Re: Prayers Please (LONG)
Oh my goodness Mandy.... I'm sitting here crying my eyes out. I'm so glad that your dad is going to start coming to church with you! I know it will completely change him for the better! You and your family are in my prayers.
for all your 
and kind words girls. 
