Sister angry at estranged brother

Dear Annie: My brother, “John,” one of nine siblings, has not spoken to our 83-year-old mother in more than 12 years. He lives less than 5 miles from her, drives past her house daily and never stops in. At first, he sent birthday and Christmas cards, but even that stopped. Mom continues to send cards and reach out, but receives no response.

Evidently, John is upset with Mom because she asked whether he would testify in court against his pedophile stepfather if it became necessary to do so. John and his three older siblings were victims, and Mom wanted to protect her youngest child (my stepbrother) so that he would not be left alone with his pedophile father. John was so upset by the request that he cut off contact.

As far as I’m concerned, John is dead. My children don’t know him. His daughter has missed out on an entire family of cousins, aunts and uncles. But my mother would like to reconnect with him before she dies. I’d like to help her do this, but I’m very angry with him. I don’t want John at Mom’s funeral. How could he have the audacity to show up there when he doesn’t have the decency to speak to her while she’s alive? – Angry Sis

Dear Sis: It’s possible that the idea of testifying against his abuser was more traumatic for John than he could process. John might actually want to get back in touch, but doesn’t know how and is afraid he would be roundly and repeatedly chastised. In order to reconcile, you may have to let the past go.

Is John in contact with any of his siblings, relatives or mutual friends? Would one of them be willing to act as a go-between? Could one of you speak to his wife and ask what can be done?

As for the funeral, your anger is understandable, but be prepared for a ruckus if you try to keep John out. And the knowledge that you are punishing him this way will likely keep him from ever reconciling with his siblings.

We trust you are not the only one making this decision. Please talk to your siblings about it, and also to your mother.