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The presence of a sick sibling can cast a long shadow, even within a loving family.
Important moments birthdays, graduations, even everyday joys can be overshadowed by ones siblings health struggles.
This necessary shift in focus can, over time, cultivate a simmering resentment.
The author found themselves caught in such a heartbreaking situation.
Their youngest childs frequent panic attacks had become a constant disruption, casting a shadow over celebrations.
The younger daughter has struggled withanxietyand panic attacks for nearly eight years, following an incident in high school.
While the sisters arent particularly close,familygatherings have often been disrupted by these episodes.
The eldest feels these disruptions have overshadowed important moments, likegraduations.
The situation reached a boiling point at the engagement party, where the younger daughter experienced a panic attack.
The event was cut short, leaving the bride-to-be upset and questioning the initial invitation.
Weddinginvitations were subsequently sent out, excluding the younger sister.
This decision has caused significant tension within the family.
The younger daughter feels hurt and excluded, while the poster is caught in the middle.
Commenters empathized with both sides.
On one hand, many expressed concern for the elder daughter.
They acknowledged the unfairness of potentially having her big day disrupted, highlighting the importance of celebrating this milestone.
The original poster (OP) clarified that the younger daughters panic attacks are unintentional and triggered by events.
However, the situation isnt as black and white.
AsThe Guardianpoints out, siblings of children with chronic illnesses or mental health challenges often grapple with complex emotions.
This can lead to a sense of resentment, a yearning for normalcy and recognition of their own needs.
The posters decision to attend the wedding reflects this complexity.
However, they also acknowledge the younger daughters challenges.
Skipping the wedding altogether reinforces the idea that the younger daughters anxiety dictates family events.
The mother might be hoping for a solution that shows support for both daughters.
Ultimately, the goal is to celebrate the wedding while acknowledging the challenges faced by the younger daughter.
Commenters agreed that the poster was not the jerk
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