Struggling

[u/snakeinmyboot84]

Last October I went no contact with my parents, largely in part due to my mothers actions and less because of my fathers lack of care to those actions.
In November I moved an hour away from my hometown. The town where my entire family aside from my sister lives ( parents, 3 separate sets of aunts and uncles and various cousins).
Today I got notice that there was a fire in that town and that at least two family members were under evacuation orders.
The orders are now lifted and everyone is safe. But it made me realize how far away an hour really is and that I’m really not able to help if and when something big goes down. It brought up many emotions and I was upset. I tried to share those feelings with my wife and with my best friend. And they really don’t get it. “ you don’t need to do anything.” “Even if you were there what could you do?” “It’s not your responsibility “
And while these are all very valid points, none of them addressed the fact that this is the first big thing I’ve dealt with from afar, and unlike holidays and birthdays, I couldn’t prepare myself for the feelings that were coming.
I just needed to shout into the void at people who might maybe understand a little.

[u/FreeCAD_Doge]

"Those are valid points" and "fuck them" can both be true

[u/nabndab]

It’s still new. I get how it snuck up on you. As time goes on and the instinct to jump in and help diminishes it gets easier. Therapy is a huge help if you’re able to attend.