AITJ for not attending my nephews graduation?
My nephews are graduating in 10 days, and we only found out because their mom reached out, asking for my mom’s copy of one nephew’s Social Security card as he wants to join the military. My nephews belong to my brother, and when he and their mom separated, child services got involved because she left the boys, aged 4 to 6, alone. My mom and I took them in and raised them until they were about 9 to 11. Their mom returned after several years, wanting to raise them, which caused heartache for us as we had been their primary caregivers.
Over the years, we lost contact, but eventually, the boys started reaching out. I would invite them to events, but they often declined. My mom asked why he had not call and giving any info, and one nephew falsely claimed he hadn’t spoken to her in four years. He also said she doesn’t call. We always call and wish them happy birthdays and call around holidays and buy gifts if possible.
When I called my nephew back, he was disrespectful claiming we never did anything for them, and I decided not to attend his graduation, explaining that I won’t tolerate disrespect from kids I’ve helped raise. They’re angry at their dad, who has been absent like their mom, and are directing that anger at us. I feel the need to close this chapter because I love all my nephews and niece. Despite the hurt, I refuse to allow disrespect from those I’ve supported so much.