I think it is the sad result of the fact that our parents
themselves tend to have their own lives. With some of my friends
who are very close to their cousins, very often their parents are
also very close. My father was pretty much estranged from him
family for many years, and only in the past decade I think, closed
the gap with some of them. I still remember snide comments made by
them during my dad's struggling years. It is hard to forgive at
times.
In the few recent years, there have been a couple of tragedies in
my maternal family. Times like this, even though we try to be there
to give support, can't help wondering what went wrong with the
whole family. It was horrible being there, but unable to reach out
because of the unfamiliarity and hoping that despite that, they
know that my heart is with them.
Actually maybe cos I am cancerian 
I wish that the
extended family is closer than it is. But after the couple of
tragedies, I can feel the bond trying to grow closer. But you know
the closer you are, the more their problems become yours too, and I
can also sense the reluctance. Sigh. Oh well!
