Missing at the Family Get-Together?

I don't really have anything of value to say today.  That probably means I shouldn't say anything, right?  That's never really been my strong suit.  All I want to say today is that I never want to go to another family get-together again as long as I live.  In fact, I really think the term family get-together is a  phrase I never want to hear again until my family is together. 

How can my extended family get together and talk and laugh and not know that I'm weeping inside every minute?  How can members of the family, no matter how distant, not ask how we are doing?  We're down a man since the last time they saw us.  Do they honestly think if they don't say anything that it will be better?  It's not.  And it won't be for the next event either.

They say, "Wow, your kids have really grown!"  I just want to shout,  "One of 'em  hasn't.  Do you see he isn't here?  Do you care?'  It's great to cry on the way there knowing how it will be and crying when I get home because I was right.  I could cry right there in the room and they wouldn't even see it.  They don't see me.  They don't see anything they don't want to.  They never really saw Ian--not really.  Maybe that's why they talk and laugh when they get together, cause they have no idea what they should be missing.