Weddings are usually joyous occasions but they can also cause pain.

The other day a good but frustrated friend told me about her cousin’s upcoming wedding. She was frustrated because her cousin (who I gathered is in her mid to late 30s) didn’t invite my friend or her immediate family to her wedding. My friend explained that most of her frustration came from seeing her mother (the cousin’s aunt) hurt – her mom had been very close to said cousin. She explained how her mother frequently and happily allowed this same cousin to stop by during her college days for a home cooked meal and to do laundry when she didn’t have the time or resources to travel home. My friend’s mom also advised this cousin on matters of the heart when she didn’t feel comfortable confiding in her own mother.

[Read more...]