His brother bought a gun, a little 22 pistol, on the advice of his therapist. He’s taking classes, keeps it at home with safety on and a cable lock in a locked bag, and goes to the range to shoot at paper targets on sunday afternoons. Both sons are in their 30s. Angry sun says we shouldn’t have let other son buy it and felt like we were condoning it by connecting him with a navy vet who teaches safety classes. When he got upset with us over the gun I accused him of being drama-seeking in a text (I get that you might enjoy the drama of saying you don’t get along with your family. If you’re not spending time with us, understand that it’s because you’re declining an invitation, not because you’re not invited. We love you and we’re always happy to see you.) That was our last real contact in late July. His wife’s family are total trumpsters- Church-going, racism-spewing trumpsters. I know he hates that, but he spent Thanksgiving with them.

I’m very stubborn and can hold a grudge forever. He shares that trait. I believe he just needs time and will come around. My husband is very very sad about it and scared that we will never see him again. Son with the gun is sad about losing his brother but also thinks he’s being ridiculous.