I've been reading some of the parent boards to see if I could get some more insights into what could possess them to cut out GPs this way! I find it very hard to understand.
But I saw that some of them say that it's not necessarily a permanent thing, that sometimes they are just taking a break from the (troubled) relationship. I even saw that some "breaks" went on for one or two years before they were ready to reach out again. So I think it could be that some of the estrangements here could be temporary (I don't mean the ones that have gone on for several years, of course, though anything is possible). Do any of you think that could be your situation? Did anybody's DS or DD say, "I'm just taking a break?"
About the gift thing - I saw that some of them said that if they ask their parents or PILs not to make any contact during the break, that means no cards, letters or gifts, either, even to the kids. Of course, some GPs send them, anyway, which I think is very understandable. However, I saw where a few of the younger parents said that if that happens, they keep lengthening the break. So maybe if the estrangement is just temporary and if they've requested no contact or reacted badly to gifts and such, it's better to stop sending cards and gifts for the time being? I'm not sure I could do it though. Like some of you here, I would be afraid my GC would think I didn't care anymore.
If you're permanently cut off, then I suppose it's different. I mean, even if they've said no contact, I don't see how things can get any worse if you send stuff, anyway. I doubt anything is being given to the GC though so I'm glad to hear that some of you keep copies of the cards in case your GC seek(s) you out later one. Maybe putting gifts of money in a fund to give them later would be a better idea, however, than gifts that don't get used? I don't know, it's just a thought...
But I'm not sure if people always know if it's permanent or temporary.... Again, I just wish everybody peace for the holiday and coming year...