For prepublication information, contact Family Business Management Services, P.O. Box 909, Cleveland, OH 44120. Needless to say, I was not accepted as a full-fledged family member on the day of our wedding, and 18 years later, nothing has changed concerning this issue. Also, the responsibilities of family membership were sometimes sent my way, but the benefits that are supposed to come with that responsibility were not. I was not only excluded, I was totally unwelcome in this area.
Rejection really hurts.
I do support my husband by keeping records for him and sharing his frustrations. I also keep striving for, and praying that, forgiveness for all persons concerned will abide in my heart. I will continue to show love and respect to my acquired family, despite the pain their lack of communication fosters. For me, healing has come by seeking authenticity in my life and creating a career of my own. I have finished a degree with honors and am presently experimenting and trying to identify a satisfying career path.