Oh Jenni i soooo hear you there ...

My Mum had no contact with me for 13years ... and my Dad for 8years ... i was & still am a wonderful caring & thoughtful daughter i honestly think any parent would dream to have me as their daughter (well, that's what my much older friends tell me ).

I stepped back into my parents life about 10years ago with the push of my older sister whom wanted the perfect family which we are NOT ...

I decided to go back as my Dad was seriously & i knew it would make HIM happy (though not so much me) ... my Dad too is an alcoholic but not abuse, infact he makes anyone a wonderful friend, sadly he just never made for a great Dad, but i do love him regardless.

As for my own Mother ... that's another story

So, i guess what i'm trying to say is DON'T do what feels uncomfortable with you ... DO just as you are with what makes you happier even if it means there be NO contact with certain relo's ... the emotional pain &/or stress will always over-ride the blood is thicker than water saying ... GO with your gut instinct JUST as you have been & yeh, don't let anyone (also meaning your brother) tell you otherwise.

Just to add a story, ... when my older sister got married years ago my Dad got so drunk at the Wedding & he just couldn't help himself as an alcoholic can't with grog around them ... was so embarrassing for not just my sister the Bride but all of us related to him ... so i think your reasons are so valid !!