Replies to 'The Meaning of "Family"'

You are right, you are stressing too much over this situation. This must be very difficult for you and for your mother, but once you have done all that you can do to make the situation right, it is then out of your hands. My suggestion is that you try one last time to apologize, this time, write a letter to them. That way, you will be able to say exactly what you need to say without being interupted, and, they will be able to read it and re-read it if they need to. The best thing to do is to keep it short and simple; don't over-explain things, all you need to do is say that you said things that you didn't mean, that you miss them, love them, and you are very sorry. Thats it- don't get into "he said, she said" etc., because instead of resolving things, it will only keep them away. After sending the letter, give them atleast a month, if they haven't accepted your apology, you will have to accept that they don't want to accept your apology. Personaly, I know people who are so miserable with themselves and their lives, that they wouldn't accept an apology from anyone, and its not because the person affected them terribly, its only because of the fact that they are miserable and they want everyone else to feel just as bad as they do. Consider that your brother and his wife could be over-playing this situation because they have anger in other areas of their lives that don't even have anything to do with you- its possible. If they can't, or rather, won't, forgive or accept your apology, you need to forgive yourself and move forward. All you can now is learn from this experience. I wish you well!