Lesson learned too late

**Droppedonmyhead** · 05-31-2008, 11:42 AM

I'm really sad today. I found out today when I was reading the newspaper, that my Aunt died Thursday. We had a falling out years ago over some money. Because of this, her family didn't let me know she had passed away.

I loaned her some money and she denied that I ever gave it to her when she called later wanting more money (she wanted $1000 for Christmas. . she only had 3 people to buy for). I told her no. She would call me up no less than 5 times a day for 2 weeks asking me if I was going to give her the $1000. Then she did a family smear campaign against me telling family members that I was lying about the situation. That was the last straw for me. So I didn't talk to her for 15 years even though we lived in the same small town. She would tell my Grandma how much she missed me and wanted to talk to me again, but I refused because she wouldn't agree to tell the truth. She had told the truth to my Grandma, but she didn't want other people to know that she had lied.

About a year ago, I found out that she had Alzheimers and was put in a nursing home. I started having dreams about her and she was always on my mind. I decided that I should put things aside and call her. When I called her, first thing she said was "Lori, where've ya been"? Sadly, she could only talk about 5 topics and kept "circling" her conversations about the same topics. We never could talk about other things. That's when I realized that I was wrong to have waited so many years to call her. Never again would we talk for hours on the phone or remember "the good old days". She had been my favorite Aunt and we had been very close. Just like sisters. . . until the money thing and the lies.

My advise to anyone in a similiar situation is to not let your pride keep you from making up with someone that you truly loved. It's not worth it. At the end of the day, all you will have is regrets.

**IntlMom** · 05-31-2008, 11:45 AM

Gee, I'm really sorry.
Really.

**Marie78** · 05-31-2008, 11:46 AM

I'm sorry for your loss

**Darlene** · 05-31-2008, 12:10 PM

I'm sorry Lori.
I too have a deep regret over not trying again for a relationship with my brother. By the time I grew up enough to realize that we needed to start anew, it was too late. He died young, complications from the flu.
Life lesson learned.
Big hug.

**PrairieRose** · 05-31-2008, 12:16 PM

I'm sorry

I honestly think most of us have learned this lesson in one way or another....if not, it's a lesson waiting to be learned.

**FrugalMomof3** · 05-31-2008, 12:24 PM

I am so sorry about your loss, stay strong

**leezza** · 05-31-2008, 12:24 PM

Lori,

I am sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

Sending good thoughts your way.

Warm Regards,
leezza

**dolphin** · 05-31-2008, 12:56 PM

Lori, I'm so sorry for your loss and that you had to experience this life lesson. All you can do now is to remember to make each day count and I know you will find peace in this. Big hugs and saying a prayer for you and your family.

**FrugalWitch** · 05-31-2008, 12:59 PM

I am so sorry that this happened to you. I can empathize. A former best friend and I had a huge falling-out many years ago. We never made-up, I just learned three days ago that he died a few years ago of AIDS.

For the past three days all I can think of is the good times we shared, and how stupid the fight was the last time I saw him.

My thoughts and best wishes are with you.

**mombottoo** · 05-31-2008, 01:13 PM

((((hugs)))) I am sorry for your loss.

**emily_hope** · 05-31-2008, 01:23 PM

I am so sorry you are having to deal with all this. Thanks for taking the time to remind the rest of us what is truly important! Take care of yourself. (((HUGS)))

**geckoace** · 05-31-2008, 02:49 PM

this really hits home to me, i had an estranged friend reach out to me about 2 months ago and i took her call but havent called her back we were once so close and if something happened with things the way they are now i would be distraught.

thank you for sharing this im so sorry you had to learn this lesson this way