Thank you for your email.
One insight I’ve gained from your email, and which is valuable, are the implications of not joining in this holiday’s celebrations.
Perhaps a mistake on my part was not addressing these implications initially and moreover letting them slowly turn into general assumption.
I’d like it to be known that I have only the best intentions, respect and love for my family. I am grateful, and rather privileged, to be a member of such a wonderful family and I’d like people to understand that right now – my choice, not to attend, is in no way contrary to those thoughts and feelings.
I’d also like to say how important my family is to me, and how much I regard them. However, right now – I need my family to regard my decision in this same way. It is not a lack of love or consideration that I make this decision.
Knowing this and how I feel, I hope that those things that may have been implied, due to my absence – can be seen as anything but the contrary.
As for a reason as to why I’ve decided not to attend, I only offer that timing – for me, particular in where I am in life right now, has not made this possible.
I look forward to seeing my family again in the future, however regrettably – it will not be this year.
Love,
Stuart