It's been a tough year for family

The issue with my uncle and my mother has exploded again, and I'm so very sad.  He is flat out accusing my mother of stealing, and is contacting the family to make sure everyone hears his side of the story first.  My heart is broken for my mother, and my heart hurts that our family is shrinking.  I always, always wanted a big family.  I wanted a lot of kids.  I'm so grateful for the three I have, but one of them wants nothing to do with us.  I never had any nieces of nephews, and Andrew's brother is already gone.  My paternal grandmother has decided there will be no family gathering this year.  While I understand entirely, I also know it means that we will lose the few connections we have on that side by not gathering anymore.  Andrew and I are feeling badly that our family is shrinking rather than growing.  I feel so awful for my mother who feels like she has lost nearly her entire family.

I'm sorry for the pity party today.  It's just been sad family news upon sad family news in the last 24 hours.