Last December my husband (m73) and I (f69) were on a cruise with someone (f63) we thought was a friend. On Christmas Eve we found out our son (m47), “Mike”, had Covid. If he had a “normal” blood system it wouldn’t be a big deal because Omicron was the dominant variant at the time and he had had 2 shots and a booster. However, he has had a blood disorder since he was 18 months old. This has resulted in many hospitalizations over the years, and he continues to receive treatments every two weeks to keep him from bleeding out from something as minor as a cut or dying from an infection like the flu. Our “friend” knows Mike’s health history and because she works in the medical field understands how a simple injury or infection can become a full-blown emergency within a short period of time.
Right after we found out about Mike, I couldn’t believe it when she said, “Well, you know if he dies he will be in a better place.” Really? Who would say that to another person about their child? I don’t care if the child is 7 or 47, they are still your child. However, I ignored her comment choosing to believe she didn’t think how it came across. And, before anyone responds with she must be religious, nope not one bit.
The next day, she started comparing our son’s situation with her adult sons’ choice of profession. Both of her boys are fire fighters. Extremely admirable that anyone chooses to have a profession that places them in peril on a regular basis. The difference between her sons and our son, is they made that choice as adults. Our son was a baby. Again - clueless and no empathy.
The third day was the topper. We were sitting at breakfast when out of no where she says, “I think we should do away with masks and vaccinations. Whatever happens, happens.” That’s fine, it’s her opinion. But, good grief, she knows we are worried about our son (many texts between us and our daughter-in-law over the previous two days), why would she make a callous comment like that? That was enough. I got up from the table and left.
Four more days of the cruise and I was polite but, did not go out of the way to start conversations or engage in any way. She had plenty of time to ask what happened, but never a word. I am extremely non-confrontational, so I never brought it up.
Two weeks ago Hubby and I were on another cruise and, of course, she would have to be there. One night she walked by and said, “Hi, guys.” I had had two drinks at that point (less reticent about letting my feelings be known) and replied, “Until you apologize for the horrible things you said last December, do not speak to us.” My husband was surprised I said anything, but backed me up.
AIBU to cut off contact with this person and feel that she owes us an apology for what she said last year?