As so often happens, I've already made a decision but now I'm having second thoughts.
Here's the deal: Our neighbourhood pub, Joe Mercury's, is closing after 30 years this Saturday. A big party is planned for all the regulars, of which I am one. My husband and I have been frequenting this pub for 20 of the 30 years it's been in the neighbourhood. We know all the staff, most of the customers, and it's going to leave a very large hole in our lives when it's gone.
This weekend my sister called me from Windsor, apologizing for the short notice but saying that she's decided to throw a 50th birthday party for her husband Jim on the same night. I didn't have my calendar in front of me when I talked to her, and said we'd be there for sure.
I realized the conflict after I hung up, and phoned her right back and reneged on the party. I said we'd drive down before the end of the summer and take her and Jim out for a grand dinner somewhere lovely and have a belated celebration.
Got a terse "Sorry you're not coming" email from my mother, and a rather chilly attitude from my sister.
Today I sent Jim a beautiful golf book he's been wanting and an assortment of cool and colourful paper plates and napkins for the party.
If I miss the final night at the pub, I'll never hear the end of it from my friends, and I know I'll regret not going.
Am I a bad sister? I still have time to change my mind and show up at the party, but would really appreciate viewpoints from third parties....!
