My sister took drugs, mainly heroine, for over 20 years. Then six years ago she accidentally overdosed and passed away. Her children were taken into care and our family settled into a time of grieving; and also I must admit relief.
During her time she did things to our family that caused no end of upset, but at the end of the day she was still my sister, so I had to deal with a pull of emotions – hating the addict but loving my sister. In time, and with help, I’ve come to understand the lack of control a drug addict has over their own behaviour and have forgiven what has passed.
This has finally brought me peace and allowed me to move on with my life, without the constant anger and self-protection mechanisms that came to control my own personality.
Unfortunately my wife still believes a drug addict is in full control of their destiny and all my sister’s actions, including her ultimate death, were her own fault and deserving of no sympathy. She drags up all the bad things my sister did during her life and insists I stop feeling sorry for her. This is now causing old wounds to be reopened for me and is increasing tension within my own family.
Does anyone have any advice I can offer my wife so she understands the pain her views are having on me?