Dear Abby: Stepson’s silent treatment blocks husband’s access to grandchildren

DEAR ABBY: My husband of more than 20 years had two children with his first wife. (I don’t have any.) One of his children, who doesn’t respond to voicemails, emails, or texts from us, now has two children under the age of 5 from his second marriage. They live less than an hour away. My husband and I saw our youngest son once, almost a year ago. It was the last time we saw my husband’s son and his children. My husband has seen his grandchildren less than four times in four years. Do you have any suggestions on how to repair this emotional cut? – OUTRAGED IN MARYLAND

DEAR UNWORTHY: Has your husband told his son that he would like to have a closer relationship with him and his family? When exactly did this distancing begin? Do you know what caused this? Once you have the answers to these questions, if you need to apologize, your husband should offer them verbally, in writing, or in person. The ball will then be in your stepson’s court.