I've heard a very similar story from a lot of people I've met over the years. It often made the end of year holiday time some of the hardest to deal with.

While I can understand the need for somebody to have time to process the change...I've never quite understood the need to push people away like that. I truly hope your family is able to get over their own hurdles and welcome you back.

I'm sure this wasn't the easiest thing to share...but thank you for doing it!