Siblings Can Hurt You Over and Over Again and You Them

A message from Sylvain Richard
I requested permission to publish this piece from the author because this topic on siblings is so important, yet it's ignored. This is a shame. Unfortunately, many suffer with problems related to family. I find the strategies given are helpful and compassionate. The author has outlined key points to consider if/when attempting to remedy this problem which affects so many. Good luck!


 by Nancy Snipper


As a teacher, guidance counselor, sibling and friend, I have learned from over 45 years of experience that this delicate topic is rarely addressed. Yet so many suffer. Time to break down the static silence. Maybe this little essay can help someone who is experiencing “sibling malfunction” (my term).
While obtaining my B.Ed, I researched sibling support and its connection, if any, to familial emotional wholeness. I interviewed over 200 different siblings to discover that 44% feels in some way rejected by their siblings on various levels. This rejection were backed up by examples. 26% were no longer in touch with their siblings, except at weddings and funerals, and even at those times, no communication was achieved. 14% felt this had affected their lives in such a negative way, they sought therapy to deal with it. Let’s not forget that close to 66% enjoyed a close relationship, and for the most part, felt happy and valued when in sibling company.
However, if you have been silently, slowly or in one fell swoop abruptly ostracized by your sibling(s), you are not alone. This is a universal family challenge that knows no cultural, economic or racial boundaries.
So have your siblings either subtly or overtly put estrangement from you into modus operandi?  Wrong for sure, and very hurtful, especially if you have really done nothing wrong to them to the best of your knowledge. You have tried to reach out, but are always being rejected. What the hell is going on?
Let’s face it: the sibling unit can sometimes become a breeding ground for all kinds of unhappiness: jealousy, favouritism, injustice, alliances, mocking you, secrets, power plays, lies and no empathy. No matter how educated you are or no matter how much love and caring you received from your parents, the sibling issue can make become tumultuous – if you let it. It’s sad but it’s human in an intensely negative way.


How to deal with it all?

Some see you as nutty, narcissistic, irresponsible, expendable, and even nasty. Others see you as the “black sheep”. But it’s better to be different if the rest of them are full of anger and mistrust or they constantly exclude or insult you. Count yourself lucky if you know how to love constantly – no matter their inability to return it for whatever reason; for these sibling souls are in torment. Pity them privately, but don’t get roped in.
Love doesn’t seem to figure much effectively or always work with those that don’t put sibling love, patience and pride in having you as their sibling as family priority. Overlook the little things, but don’t skirt any situation if you are being mistreated. Let them know right away when you have been wronged; don’t let it fester for years. By then it is too late to even remember their names.
There are many reasons for growing so far apart – that even the slightest bit of warmth you shared in younger times turns into a cold chill. These reasons have never really been systematically examined and though every case has different reasons, the result is too often: bye bye. KEEP IN TOUCH!!! But if they rebuff your warmth and attempts to stay connected, then you may have to do a reality check. Not everyone is going to have your heart and values.
The most unproductive and cruel scenario is cutting blood ties. And many are too quick to do that.  It’s Neanderthal not to mention ruthless. But if they do it, chances are they wanted to do it a long time ago. Think back at the signs: too busy to see you; not a good time to call or visit, never invite you for a stay-over or if they do, abandon you. Welcome to your demotion as their house sitter. If they don’t reply to your calls and emails, but maybe said they did, don’t second guess yourself unless there was an immediate follow-up on their part. These are indications that they have no interest in your life and do not wish for you to know theirs.
But you say,” What did I do wrong?” Everything and nothing.  But here’s the rub: no more puppy-dog caving. 


Six Solutions that require resolve

1> I highly recommend courses on how to handle siblings' poor treatment of you. There is so much misinterpretation and misconception that sometimes is unwittingly or sadly, purposely applied to you. If undermining you or shutting you out is constant, and you don’t call the person out on it due to your own fear or out of incredible kindness - misguided as it is for these situations - as you are afraid to hurt them – then take a long break, but never ever cut them out. Bring it up with a quip, a brief statement or express your surprise. Dial back and reassess.

2>Remember, kindness is owed to you, but it must come from you as well. Don’t hold any grudge. That’s a cowardly defence. But protecting the other means taking a risk on your own self-worth. So state your disappointment in a clear, calm way.  

3>Be conciliatory if they wish to communicate with you without mutual attacking.  But you must express the wrong doing; let it out and resolve it. You must give yourself permission to call them up on their behaviour if wrong doing to you has been a far too long pattern. Most of us are incredulous to take it in that they really do not want to have anything to do with you or you with them.
The key question is if so many years have passed and silence is the only communication you have, then you must let them know you wish to have them in your life but major issues have to be laid out like a deck of cards to explore and reveal.
Remember that cards have two sides, so you have to let them voice their hurts that they feel you have given them. 

4> It's not easy for sure as we all get defensive, but this is not the time to attack. It is the time to listen and talk it out. If you ask them if they wish to have a relationship that is mature and workable and they start attacking you again or say no, it's sad, but let them know your door is always open. 

 5>Find people that accept your love, communicate well with you and make you feel appreciated; you will love that. And make them the same way from the bottom of your heart! 
Unrequited family love can be as painful as that not given by a potential lover. Lovers can come and go, but siblings are permanent. Personality conflicts are inevitable, but the gift of having siblings is immeasurable. 

6> Don't let the bad stuff overcome you. Who you are and what you give must be valued by you and you must value them. You deserve everything and so do they!  But if bad spirals down to worse with emotionally cruel behaviour being exhibited to you over and over again, walk away! You tried, and that’s what God praises us for, even if we fail.  Sibling caring whether inconvenient or difficult is the highest state of peer family love. Aim for this.

 
BE YOU was a song I wrote in 1977, and to my surprise, it somehow went beyond my room; it was performed at Ontario Place during International Year of the Child. The song came from a quiet place in my heart. I believe its message strikes a chord for those who doubt their own self-worth.
Meg Ruffman’s stunning voice first sung it in a church soon after a man named Cam told me over the phone, to come down to the church, and he would put the lyrics and my rather unsure melody to piano. The two artists teamed up to bring my song to life.
May this song comfort and embolden you.


BE YOU
I have learned that whatever is inside of you,
Let it do whatever it wants to do.
If you’re shy, afraid, crazy or brave,
Be yourself, you’ll be amazed
to see how beautiful you are when you’re true,
Just be you.

I have learned that whatever is inside of you,
Must be said, felt, without a fuss.
Though others may chide you, won’t sit beside you,
Fear you, sneer you, won’t come near you,
Just be yourself, before you know it
You’ve made a friend, plenty of them.

I have learned that whatever is inside of you,
Be proud of it no matter what they say and do.
To rearrange you, try and change you, act like they are strangers to you,
Misconstrue you, mix and brew you, if they only knew the real you.
Just be yourself, let it all come through,
And love will shine in you.



WATERFALL RAPTURE, COUNTRY AIR AND CONSTANT CARE

by Nancy Snipper

                             
                                         A COCOON FOR SUBLIME RELAXATION

Nestled alongside the waterfall of the North Missisquoi River, the beauty begins. The setting with its never-ending cascade of scintillating pleasure instantly has its healing effect on all who enter the premises. You can hear and see the watery symphony at every turn.


                 Dip your feet in

 


 Snooze beside it as you stretch out in one of the spa’s riverside hammocks. 
       

                         Listen, watch, breathe it all in!                                                                       


I was so taken with this view, I sat for a good hour just listening to the waterfall and watching the birds dart among the trees.
Unquestionably, one of the Spa Bolton’s most distinguishing features is the harmonious integration of outdoor beauty within the spa’s interior. Take a look at the ceiling over the reception desk. Yes, that is a panel prettified with real moss that’s fed by the humidity from the spa. It’s colourful and enhanced by the wood-covering panels alongside it.
In addition, a  magnificent Medusa, carved from a litchi tree impressively adorns a wall. Fabulous to behold, it reminds us all how nature's growth can be transformed into a work of art. You can't miss  its striking effect, it as you enter the reception area.


No matter where you gaze, the outdoors is ever-present. Inside treatment rooms, it’s not just your body that will be massaged by the view, but your senses as well.

                                A Unique Place for your Massage
Surrender yourself to Spa Bolton’s natural magic, and soon personal epiphanies begin to fill your soul.  How utterly charming and ingenious that a series of adorable yurts is where you receive massages. 
A flap lifts up over a screened portion so you can hear and see the waterfall. And that’s not all. Overhead, the sky comes into view via a small glass dome. Watch the clouds float by as you lie on your back, and drift into massage heaven. I had a wonderful full-body massage given by Guylaine, and although I had the choice to have it in one of the six bigger open-to-the river structures that were on higher ground, I was perfectly content with the breeze  that sifted in, and the sky above me. It was like a mirage; I was looking at a portion of sky painted by Michelangelo.  But within hours, the pools beckoned. 


                               
                                               Pick your Pool
 Of course Spa Bolton is all about the baths! There’s a kidney shaped swimming pool with a waterfall you can activate with the press of a button. Two really warm Jacuzzis also operate the same way, and let’s not forget about the polar bear pool that you absolutely must use once you spend time in one of the two dry saunas or the steam room.





Julie Paige, who has been working at the spa since it opened, knows everything there is to know about Spa Bolton’s healing powers. She insisted I do four alternating dunkings between the hot steam room and the “freezing” cold pool to help me with my arthritis. I did it, and for the first time, my knee no longer hurt. I escaped as well into the heated big yurts; there are two.
 
 
Lie down down on a chair or one of the huge floor cushions.



Julie epitomizes the incredible friendliness exuded and the casual ease one feels with the staff.  “No one is a client here; each person is our guest.”
Indeed the hospitality of this homey spa was what I think I most enjoyed about the personal side of things aside from my treatments.
I had an hour-long facial, masterfully given by Véronique.  She used Ella Baché’s tomato-based products from France. They felt divine.Véronique gently applied at least 10 different hands-on-my face applications. The mask which gave me a noticeable after-glow consisted of macadamia nuts, cranberry, camphor, and tomato. Best of all, while leaving it there to work its healing effect, Veronique began applying cream on my arms and hands while rubbing them. That’s a facial with a highly soothing added touch.
 
                                 

 Changing the face of my feet
I had an hour-and-a-half pedicure that was foot fabulous. Twelve steps were needed to get my feet into silky smooth shape. This included a UV lamp to solidify the gel nail polish and an exfoliant that went knee high – not to mention the zillion other things she applied to my feet along with massaging them one exceptional part included putting my feet in plastic bags filled with very warm melted paraffin wax. 
                                                                  

Véronique applied nail polish, appropriately named Elite 99, that actually changes colour depending on how hot or cool your body temp is. Now how cool – or should I say hot is that!!! From fuchsia for heat to orange for cool, my toes became my very own thermometer.
Truth is, you should stay here as long as you can. Fortunately, Spa Bolton is open until10 pm.  It is so romantic at night. 
Enjoy the many treatments and idyllic natural surroundings the area offers.
                                              
                            The Villa

I spent three nights housed in Spa Bolton’s 4-bedroom spacious country villa. 

You can book the entire villa for your family and friends. If you’re alone, common areas, including the two bathrooms, ground floor living room, dining room and kitchen will be shared with newly arrived overnight guests. But it is so big, it’s easy to find your own privacy. My room was lovely, and the bathroom next door was ever-so roomy.



 
                 
                                        Outside was equally splendid
                                                                                     


                                           A Site for a Visionary
Owner, Claude Provost junior, son of the late great hockey legend who played for the Montreal canadiens, is a man of vision. He saw the waterfall and fell in love with  the site. Formerly a mill sat here, (the waterfall reminds us of this). Claude was set on keeping everything natural when he began building his spa. Ingeniously, solar energy acts as a geothermal station for the building and water heating. In 2001, Spa Bolton was opened, and soon word spread about this unique place built with heart by a conscientious man keen on creating a healing environment. 


How lucky for us! I left wearing a smile that perhaps resembled the enormous wall mural that greets you at reception.

Spa Bolton offers a specified series of treatments and great packages that also include overnight stays. It’s open every day of the year, winter too!
Only an hour-and-a-half easy drive from Montreal,
The address: 883, route 245 south, Bolton-Est.
Visit their website: www.spabolton.com
You can also call them at (1-888)944-4772.

Although Spa Bolton has wraps, snacks, soup and cookies, full meals are not served here. Julie suggested I dine at Auberge du Petit Randonneur in Potton. Only six minutes away by car, this one-of-a-kind dining hall is akin to a Quebec-style Downton Abbey. You can even sleep in one of its six expansive rooms, including a suite. Historical in feel, and resembling an enormous dance hall, the place possesses 140 acres of pastoral views. Hosts, Louise and Serge are about the nicest people you can ever find. They made me feel so at home, I spent over three hours there just talking and being given a tour of this impressive old-world mansion. Staying here did cross my mind.
My candlelight dinner with Serge and Louise
Together the couple cook up hearty home-cooked meals. They even make their own beans. I had the most tender fillet Mignon that Serge served me. His coup de grace is the sauce he makes from scratch with onion, and broth from the beef and more. I told him he should bottle it and sell it. He did bottle it, in fact, handing me lots to take home with me. How generous is that?  I liked the place so much, including their affable company, I went back for their big breakfast the next day. The huge portions of egg, sausage, ham toast, beans listed on the menu as a brunch breakfast hit the spot. In fact, every Sunday, Louise and Serge serve the best brunch this side of Bolton. Their home-made strawberry compost is to die!
Call to reserve: (450) 292-4444.
www.aubergedupetitrandonneur.com
Another place Julie recommended was le Côte in Eastman, about 12 kilometres from Spa Bolton. Bustling busy, popular and noisy, this happening place is known for its meat, fish  and chips, mussels and innovative dishes. I ordered a bavette (flank steak) and a terrific tataki.

 
The parsnip soup was creamy good too.
I loved the barbecue popcorn with melted Parmesan cheese that was served in a little bag you before your main meal arrives. 
 The crème caramel  was a taste treat.
                                    Here is the website:  www.lecote.ca
                                                                              

Are Advances made in Civil Rights and Liberties Being Reversed?

Are the principles and concepts that have been established by The Constitution of the United States being threatened?  As a desired destination for many seeking a better life - is this still possible? Is the American Dream being replaced by an American Nightmare? Should the citizens of Canada, United Kingdom, Israel and other allies be fearful of losing their rights? Many in America (Muslims, Mexicans - all ethnicities, plus LGBT, women and marginal minorities)? Canada and the U.S. have always had much in common (with very few exceptions).
Will Donald Trump build a wall along our border as he is threatening to do with Mexico? WE DON'T NEED WALLS ... WE NEED BRIDGES! Walls divide ... bridges unite. Much of humanity has family, friendships and loved ones around the world. Many of us are now separated due to current border restrictions, travelling and passport/visa requirements. All of these tightened oppressive rules are in response to the threat of terrorism and criminal activity. Quite frankly, the current measures and those proposed  do not work against the intended; rather they seriously harm the innocent and ordinary citizen. 



This has already begun. On Friday, January 27, 2017, an executive order 'temporarely/indefinately' banning entry from seven countries in the Middle East (issued in the first week of Trump's administration). This has caused much confusion, suffering, chaos and even trauma, as many were detained and turned back, even if they had valid documentation.
Further more, policies that discriminate against certain groups based on colour of skin, nationality, religion and sexual orientation only fuel the fires of hatred and intolerance, leading to an increase in anger, violence and disorder. This vicious never-ending cycle of bloodshed, vengeance, inhuman atrocities, genocide and total devastation must end and be replaced with tolerance, understanding and love. It is only when all of humanity, irregardless of skin colour, creeds, opinions or orientations, comes together and cooperates in peace and harmony will all of our problems be solved. Oppression, imposition and bloodshed only leads to more of the same. The current vicious circle that plagues us now, MUST BE BROKEN, NOT NOURISHED!

ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”


presumed innocent until proved guilty”

Many of Trump's statements during his campaign and his actions since becoming President are in total opposition to fundamental human rights. His type of delusional, xenophobic and extremist statements and reactions will not make America "GREAT AGAIN." Could this the beginning of a fascist brutal and world-threatening dictatorship? Will Trump follow in the footsteps of Hitler, Franco, Stalin, Assad and others? Or, be even worse? Will Americans mysteriously begin to disappear (as with many dictatorships in South America in the 1970s)?
Further to his 'executive order', banning entry into the U.S. from seven Middle Eastern, predominately Muslim countries – what crime(s) have the following committed against the American people – what threat do they pose to National Security:
  • A 75-year-old woman, who has lived in States for 20 years, returning home from visiting her family in Iraq, who is MURDERED due to this Hitlerian racist order?
  • A five-year-old boy from Syria traumatized by seeing his parents handcuffed and further traumatized by being handcuffed himself?
  • Award-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi and actress Taraneh Alidoosti, who are unable to attend the Academy Awards? He had won an Oscar for his previous film “A Separation”; and his latest “The Salesman” has also been nominated.
  • And, no doubt, many others. Please leave a comment below, if you have any.

[Note (03/02/2017): A U.S. Judge has temporarily granted a restraining order. The three judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have since upheld the restraining order.]

Remember the horrors inflicted by Nazi Germany during Hitler's dictatorship, the 'final solution' and his expansionist militaristic policies? Add to this, the near invincibility of the Imperial Roman Army. It offers some glimmer of hope that Trump will not succeed in attaining “absolute power”, when I hear about the strong resistance to his unconstitutional and hateful policies, and his apparent desire to reverse every achievements made in the advancement of civil rights and freedoms. Since his inauguration, there has been a march or protest against Trump's policies, statements and 'executive' orders practically everyday. We have all heard about his 'temper tantrums' on Twitter. How much longer can he hold out from venting his rage on those who oppose him? How much longer before he calls in the troops to put a stop to the marches and protests?
According to Global Firepower the United States is rated number one among the 126 countries listed on its database in regards to relative military strength. Using its unique analytical formula, the GPF incorporates data concerning modern military powers to display a list that puts the military powers of the world into full perspective, allowing for a broad spectrum of comparisons to be achieved concerning relative military strengths.
As Hitler sought for a greater Germany through military strength, does Trump have the same desire for America? Let us hope and pray that Donald Trump can be impeached before he takes America and the rest of the world down a dark, foreboding and destructive path.


For Roman Empire: HERE and HERE.