Australia Day | A Celebration I Didn’t Expect.

Sometimes it only takes one phone call to expose years of denial. What was supposed to be a simple lift to a family celebration became the moment I finally saw who someone really was—and why protecting my peace meant walking away, even when the person wore the title of “family.”

This person doesn't know it yet, and I am not going to name names. However this person was a half family member that my mother conceived at the age of 17. This person was a fully grown man who hadn't really ever grown up. Let's call him Chad.

My stepfather just recently recieved his citizenship award on Australia Day (Our yearly public holiday to celebrate our culture - A bit like July 4th) . What was mostly meant to be a celebratory event was ruined with what happen beforehand. Chad called me on the phone about me getting a lift to my stepfather's ceremony. He was supposed to pick me up at 8:30am because my stepfather had to do some early paperwork. Anyways things got pretty pear-shaped out of no where. Chad raised his voice and ended up saying "I don't wanna argue with you, you're making me angry. Do you want a lift or not one or two" . All I did was relay what I was told. I was surprised, and caught of guard. After I told him to cool his jets he hung up on be before I could even finish my sentence. Then I rang up mum and that's when she said she'd give me a lift to the venue.

But the problem didn't end there. I kindly messaged Chad out of courtesy to let him know about what was happening. He tried to make me feel guilty, and blamed me for his anger. That's when I finally found out after all these years who he really was.

He had many charming "characteristics". He couldn't manage his anger, or take accountability for his actions. He gaslighted me by blaming me for his anger. My parents failing me in the process with my stepfather dismissing it as apart of another illness, and my mum being too unwell to go to the ceremony. Last resort, I rang up my father and he was the only person in my family who told me that I did the right thing blocking Chad's phone number.

People can be really awful no matter who they are, and how well you know them. It doesn't matter whether you've done something wrong or if it is in a pure moment where you know you're completely innocent. Some People don't care about you, and refuse to communicate properly. This the true art of their pure narrow minded, and selfishness. Chad has been perfect example, and it had made him alone. No wonder why he can't get a girlfriend.

I have never had to disown a family member before. But sometimes protecting your peace requires sacrifice. You have to stand your ground, no matter what. While I wish Chad well in his future endeavors, I know I will never see him again.