Hi all,

I live across the country from my dad and step mother. For the past several years, we haven't had a close relationship but never any sort of falling out. I feel like I'm the only one who ever reaches out to talk, either by text or phone call. I may get a "happy birthday" text on my birthday, but never a phone call. I also have a 13 year old son, and they don't even seem interested to know what's going on with him. It really cuts deep. He never gets phone call, birthday card, nothing. No Christmas gifts, even though I make it a point to go shopping, and wrap and ship back "home". Often, I don't even get a thank you for that, or acknowledgement that they were received.

2 weeks ago, I sent my dad and step mother (who is his 3rd wife that he married after I had graduated college and moved away...) a group text. No response. Yesterday was my dad's birthday, so I waited until I thought they'd be done with church and lunch to call. I left a message. No response. I follwed up with a text later that evening, and I still haven't gotten any response at all nearly 24 hours after the text.

It really hurts, and is also very confusing to me. On the outside it seems that he doesn't want anything to do with us. I don't want to believe that but I also don't want to keep putting the effort to basically be ignored. As far as visiting in person, I've gone back to their home MULTIPLE times over the years. The last time they were here was right after my son was born. He will be 14 in October.

I'm at a complete loss for what to do, and I'd appreciate any insight. Thank you!