Just got off the phone from my DCs grandmother (Their Dad's mum, probably easier to call her MIL even though we weren't married) She's a not totally unpleasant old soul, even if she is a bit Hyacinth Bucket (showing my age).
Kids Dad dropped all contact with her at the end of Jan 2012, which really upset her.
I have no contact with him at all but I've been able to reassure her that he was still alive because I was getting money through the CSA. He handed in his notice in Jan. CSA haven't traced him yet. Due to a combination of cowardice and hope I didn't call to tell her this, when she didn't call me I figured he'd gone home cap in hand (would not be the first time) and she didn't want to tell me. He's not gone to her's and when she enevitably ended the start of call pleasantries with have you heared from? I had to come clean. I am SO angry with him for the way he's treated them and TBH frustrated and guilty with myself for not being in a position to help.
FIL is in the early stages of altzeimers but was never fully on the ball following a stroke while in ICU after a Coronary Bypass 13 years ago
MIL is very visually impared due to wet macular degeneration and now has degeneration of the hip which is limiting her mobility.
SIL who lives in the house has history of depression and isn't much help.
I live an hour and 2 trains away (I don't drive)
I look at my lovely pair of kids and pray this isn't genetic, but I really want to shake their dad and aunt