We had a BBQ for my DDs first birthday yesterday.
My mum and dad split up 7 years ago. It wasnt amicable, my long suffering mother few tired of his alcoholism and excessive spending behind her back and called time on there marriage.
My dad didn't take it well. They both have new partners and my dad even has a 3 year old son with his new partner.
Anyway, my mum came round yesterday morning to help me prepare the food etc etc.
She said that she wasnt bothered about coming to the party as she wanted to give my dad the opportunity to make the effort to come to see his granddaughter on her birthday knowing that he wouldn't go if she was there.
I texted him to tell him that my mum wouldn't be there and that it would just be family on my DPs side and some close friends. He didn't reply.
By the time I had finished serving everybody their food it was around 8pm. I rang my dad and he said that he just 'couldn't be arsed.' And that he hadnt got her 'a card or out like that' and that he felt like 'lining your mother up and shooting her in the head for what she's done to me.' I told him to grow up and stop running away from his problems.
Just showing his face would've been enough, he drove past our house today and didn't even wave, let alone stop!
I was pissed off that he didn't let me know as my mum missed out by trying to give him a chance to make an effort. By the time I knew he wasn't showing up it was too late for my mum to turn out anyway.
He lives 3 miles away and I feel as though he has no excuse. He has missed several of my birthdays completely but I thought he would make a bit of an effort for his granddaughter.