Hi Peace!
You're absolutely right. We cannot expect anyone to change, and I suppose it is their right to be however they want to be. But, as you know, it's up to US whether or not we'll continue to be in their lives. You offer great advice, as usual.
Update on my old man situation...lol
I called yesterday and he was not there. Score! I got to leave a message and didn't have to talk to him. I let him know that I will just not subject myself to his negativity and abuse anymore, and that I will be compiling a letter to him in the near future. (Hopefully he will take the hint and stop calling every day and leaving messages in which he acts like everything is fine. He was a complete A'hole to me the last time we spoke.) Incidentally, I also mentioned the thing about the real estate...so all in all, I got everything done without having to hear anything negative or hurtful. I thought it was definitely a good thing.