Isn't it sad how so many families dread the holidays for this very reason? Mine is no different. For years it was wondering if my drug addict brother would show up, and if he did would he be coherent or not. Then it was my alcoholic sister and her destructivie bi-polar tendencies ... and unfortunately she is still "an issue" . Now, it has passed down to my own little family .... my daughter (Amy Beth ...19 ... who just had baby Jenna) is uncomfortable coming for Thanksgiving, because my Judgemental father will be here. It's always been so tense every year at every occasion ... but somehow we generally "try" to fake it through. I think this is why the holidays are one of the number one triggers for depression. How truly sad!