Thanks Daina. My husband says something similar about no one can make you angry unless you let them (or something like that!). I guess we all feel vulnerable at times though and our perception of others is affected by this. When it gets right down to it, I don't think my brother and his wife intended to hurt me through their silence and that is what really matters. They just did not (and probably still don't realise) the affect they had.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas with your loved ones and that 2015 is a happy and healthy one for you. Thanks for all your terrific support. :) Deanne xxx