Dear Abby: Man wants to reconnect with family after coronary episode but fears his heart will be broken

DEAR ABBY: Six years ago, my family lost my mother, who was the rock of our family. Two weeks later, my family began to fall apart. My older brother, my younger sister and I no longer speak. My brother and I got into a physical confrontation and we haven’t spoken since.

A year later, I suffered a massive heart attack. I was at death’s door. My doctors said it was a miracle that I survived. I’m lucky to be here, but since then, no one from my family has contacted me. The story of my survival was omnipresent on social networks and even in some television news. My heart function is poor and I had a defibrillator implanted.

I miss my family more and more, but I’m also afraid my heart will break. We made mistakes and I know I was wrong too. I feel horrible about what happened, but I’m hurt that no one contacted my wife or daughter to ask if I was okay or if they needed anything.

I recently had contact with my brother’s son and we have texted, but I have not heard from my brother yet. My family is growing with grandchildren and I would like to reconnect our families before it is too late. Is it too late? — STRANGE IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR EXTRAORDINATE: Maybe, maybe not. If you haven’t already done so, write or call your brother and offer him a formal apology for what happened between you. While you’re at it, do the same with the rest of your family members. Tell them you’re sorry, that neither of you are getting any younger, and that you’d like to be part of the family again. I can’t predict the outcome, but it would be a good start. I wish you good luck. Over time, people sometimes gain a better perspective.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.