My condolances. I so relate to the whole disjointed family thing. I didnt even know my own daughter had a son until he was almost two. I guess that's the price you pay for having an opinion. I'm ok with being the black sheep in the family. Time, distance, words spoken in wrath, all are reasons/excuses, but indeed life keeps happening until it doesn't.
I don't have much any more except faith and the love of my step-daughter. She is the only family I know and a fierce warrior on my side. Soon I'll be leaving this planet and I suppose my own blood will not know about my departure unless my step kid decides to tell them. So the ball bounces, the grass grows, a new dawn awaits. Thos whole life thing is just wierd. Blessed be.