Hi there Magnum. Sure sounds like a tricky situation for you right now.
I would hate to have to see any of my NFOO after so long No contact.
I am keeping the conversation light. Not asking anything about her personal life and really only talking personal with mum about her medical tests.
That sounds like a great way to handle the situation. It's how I used to be when I was low contact with the N's and P's. It can work for a short time. I have never found it to work long term though, the N's will ALWAYS find a way to create maximum DRAMA from even light conversation. Still, a good way for you to go in your current situation by the sounds of it.
And
I am still living under the guilt, as I found out today, by the way I felt in their presence.
That sounds like a really positive realisation you've had! Sounds like a great break through for you!
I have to say, I'm not really the person to give you advice because I am totally NC with ALL FOO and anyone and everyone around them. Including Deaths, Illness, Births, Funerals and even law suites (I have my lawyer stand in for me, plus my Hubby acts as my Power of Attorney when required, so they have no real access no me)
I have gone so far as to have AVO's out on a couple of my own family. They're not good for my sanity. I even moved states.
Recently my Grandmother was in hospital with a heart attack, and it may sound heartless of me, but I didn't even send flowers. That's how NC I am. She hasn't done anything to me...it's just, she's part of the big FOO picture, and at this stage, I can't cherry pick bits of my family out. They're all lumped in together. Like I said, for my sanity (and Hubby's). Once I start sending flowers then I know the "hoovering" begins, they know I care, they start to pounce and I get more emails etc. Not worth it for me.
So I'm trying to remember back when I was Low Contact. Keeping conversations light like you are, helped. Also just leaving the room when things got nasty. Not answering back when they try to provoke me. (Sounds like you are doing that to avoid Nsis rage)
I tried to go NC with just a couple of my family, but after a few months stuff like what you're going through now kept happening, and I had a heart attack from stress and realised my life just wasn't worth it.
I cut them ALL out.
I figured since all the family and cousins etc KNEW my sister and parents were horrible to me they couldn't expect me to be around FOR ANY REASON.
I count them all as Enablers.
(is your Mom an enabler of your Nsis? sounds like she is, and that must be hard on you)
If you are strong, all the best to you. My heart (literally) could not take what you are going through.
I'm so sorry I don't have any advice for you. Only my experience.
I wish you all the best.
And a big CONGRATULATIONS on your realisations about how you feel around them....that's a fabulous breakthrough.
Remember, that guilt is NOT YOURS, it's theirs, they project it onto you without your permission. (N's favourite trick)
I really hope someone here has more advice for you.
Best of luck with it all!
(Also, try posting your question on the ACON part of the board, you may get more response on that one)