Thursday, August 19th, 2010
Heartbroken
One of my fondest memories as a little girl is of being the flower girl in my Uncle Mark’s wedding. I was 7 or 8 at the time, and I remember a special shopping trip with my future Aunt Kelly for my dress and a special present - a Cameo necklace, which I still have, before the wedding started. I had a little bouquet of flowers in a dark brown basket. I loved that little basket.
When Bill and I started planning our wedding, I was excited to include my own nieces in the ceremony. My little niece, Riley, was only 7 months old when we got engaged, but my older niece, Angelina, was 5, which is just about the perfect age for a flower girl.
When my family celebrated Christmas this year, Angelina requested a red dress to wear to the wedding. Somehow, I got her to agree to a ivory dress with a pink sash. My mom has been hard at work making those dresses these past few weeks. But, yesterday, I learned that one of those dresses won’t get worn.
My brother called yesterday morning with the news that his ex-girlfriend, Angelina’s mom, informed him that she’d be violating the legal visitation agreement and not allowing him to have his daughter for the weekend of my wedding. I’m so embarrassed at my reaction – I was at work and started sobbing hysterically, running out of the office saying something to the effect of, “Why is she ruining my wedding?”
The answer to that question is simple — she’s a lunatic.
My brother and his wife met with a lawyer today. There’s really nothing we can do. The wedding is in 9 days and he speculated that it could take as many as 45 to get in front of a judge. She’s made it clear that when my brother arrives to pick his daughter up that she will not be there.
I’m just heartbroken. I don’t feel like my day is going to be complete without my little sassy pants niece there. I’m worried that Angelina is being denied something that she was SO excited about. I’m worried that her little sister won’t want to walk down the aisle without her big sister there to show her how to do it. And, most of all, I’m sad that she has a mother that uses her child as a pawn to hurt other people.
I have a lot of things I’d like to say to my niece’s mother. None of them are nice. So, I’m going to leave it at this…
I hope one day your daughter forgives you for this, because I never will.
(I love you, Sissy…more than you will ever know. Auntie is going to try hard to make this up to you. None of this is your fault.)

Comments on this post
I am so sorry! Just reading this brought tears to my eyes. I wish some people (i.e. your niece’s mom) would realize that not everything is about them and one special day won’t hurt anyone. I’m praying for a miracle!
19. August - 7:57 pmMeaghan´s last [type] ..Inspiration & What I Wore
Oh, Rhi…I’m so sorry. I hope her mom comes around before the wedding.
19. August - 8:00 pmThat’s incredibly sad and awful that your brother’s ex-girlfriend would do that to her little girl. I’m so sorry, Rhi. I hope she changes her mind, and if she doesn’t, I hope you still have a wonderful day and that you find the perfect way to make it up to your niece.
19. August - 8:00 pmbethany actually´s last [type] ..banana-apple baked oatmeal
I’m so sorry! *hugs*
19. August - 8:04 pmOh Rhi, I am so sorry. I wish I could say something to make it better. XO
19. August - 8:04 pmThat is just so AWFUL. I’m feeling terrible for you and Bill, but even more for sweet Angelina.
19. August - 8:08 pmI know one of those, too. A mom like that. Who threatened and withheld over a funeral. Boo hissss.
19. August - 8:52 pmThat is so very sad. It makes me angry that her mom would deny her that and hurt you. I am so sorry Rhi. :-(
19. August - 9:37 pmthat is so awful! I teared up a little reading this. I can’t believe how horrid that woman is acting.
I know your niece will forgive you, it’s just sad that she can’t be there.
19. August - 10:06 pmSarah´s last [type] ..The Date
Rhi, I’m so, so sorry. I’ll be praying for a miracle. And know that we’re all here for you! Xo
20. August - 4:20 amHow awful! Does she have a reason for keeping her from the wedding or is she just being nasty?
20. August - 5:03 amBritt´s last [type] ..Do Tell – Appliances Worthy of Our Love
Oh honey–I’m so sorry. I’ve been that child used as a pawn, and believe me she knows what’s going on. Poor little thing.
xox
20. August - 6:16 amRhi, I am so, so sorry. It breaks my heart. As an Auntie, I can’t even imagine.
And I feel so bad for Angelina that she’s getting punished because her mom is evil. This isn’t about her. GAH!
Praying for a miracle my friend! xoxoxo
20. August - 6:43 amKristabella´s last [type] ..My Gram
Wow…how sad that the mom is totally, 100% just using her child to hurt others. I mean….just wow!
20. August - 7:24 amIsabel´s last [type] ..In which I’m feeling pretty good- considering I’m still pregnant
Oh my goodness, this woman is pure evil! Your attitude is amazing: your concern for your niece only highlights how straight-up crazy her mother is. My heart breaks for all of you. Hoping for a miracle here…
20. August - 10:45 amChristen´s last [type] ..Motivation to Bring Back the “Natural” Look And By “Natural” I Mean “Like a Yeti”
Oh, Rhi. That is so wrong, and sad, for you and for your niece.
Moms are supposed to want to make their kids happy, or so I believe.
20. August - 12:56 pmAngella´s last [type] ..Just Beachy
I am really sorry to hear that Rhi. I feel terrible for you and your niece – it’s so unfair to both of you. I’ll be crossing my fingers that her mom will change her mind.
20. August - 4:13 pmOh, that’s just wrong. I’m sorry that both of your plans and dreams have been ruined. I’m sure she’s just as disappointed as you. Hopefully her mother will come to her senses and have an attack of conscience.
21. August - 7:38 amKate´s last [type] ..Destiny
So sorry Rhi, for you and your niece.
21. August - 10:58 pmslynnro´s last [type] ..Without Sugar- I am Even Less Sweet Than Normal- Which Is A Problem
Sadness! I don’t even know you and have never been to this blog before and STILL had to comment because it made me so sad for you all. I hope you get it all worked out. Or I hope you knock the ex out. Both would make me feel better.
23. August - 12:06 pmOne of my happiest memories too was being a junior bridesmaid for my cousin when I was in fifth grade. I feel so bad for you, and even more so for your niece. It is so unfair and cruel when parents use their kids as a pawn. I am keeping my fingers crossed that her mom comes to her senses and changes her mind for both of you.
25. August - 3:04 amHilary´s last [type] ..Complicated commute
I have to echo the other sentiments here. That is just so sad and hurtful and really unbelievable.
I’m really sorry to both of you.
25. August - 12:51 pm