Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, according to Jill Duggar Dillard, “aren’t always invited” to their children’s birthday parties.
This came after they missed their grandson Samuel’s birthday party, the former reality star admitted.
Jill and her husband, Derick Dillard, celebrated their son Samuel’s fourth birthday recently.
Even while several members of the Duggar family’s extended family were present, two were obviously absent.
Jill’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar were both absent from Samuel’s party, leading fans to speculate as to why the grandparents were not present.
Jill shared the highlights of Samuel’s memorable day on Instagram Stories in a series of photos. Jill and Derick had planned to take him out to dine on his birthday, but as they stepped outdoors to get into the car, they discovered a surprise in store for him.
Jill’s brother James and sister Jana had prepared a special treat.
Instagram; pictured above is Jill with Samuel
“Uncle @jamesaduggar brought his fire truck over (+ Aunt @janamduggar as well) & we rode in the fire truck to @chickfila and met ‘Mima’ @cldilla for lunch!” Jill wrote. Her parents also delivered gifts; she says.
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Fans are aware that Jill and Derick, as well as Jill’s parents, are at odds. This has been discussed openly by the pair.
They don’t seem to see the Duggars very much, especially Jill’s parents. Derick has even revealed that he is working on a book on the Duggar family.
“I guess the parent Duggars opted not to be grandparents to these boys,” one of Jill’s Instagram followers remarked. What a shame they’re like that, given how much they preach about family values. Sorry for the inconvenience, Jill. You don’t need individuals like them in your life. At the very least, Jana was let to come.”
Jill responds to the comment by discussing the limits she maintains with her family. She explains:
“We just worked out the fire truck birthday celebration between us and James. For the birthdays of the boys, my parents always send or present gifts. As we learn how to traverse life and work toward healing and restoration, we’ve had to establish some limitations for ourselves over time. They aren’t necessarily invited to everything and likewise.”
In her connection with her parents, Jill Duggar Dillard is attempting to strike a healthy balance. In a recent social media post, she discussed limits, outlining how she and her parents have opted to manage birthdays and other events.
Instagram; pictured above is a post about Samuel”s birthday from Jill
Jill also previously stated that neither of her parents attended Derick’s law school graduation. The elated wife posted a video from the ceremony, congratulating her husband on his significant achievement.
We understand Jill and her parents had a strained relationship, which is one of the reasons she left the 19 Kids and Counting spin-off series, Counting On, over four years ago.
Now that the production has been canceled, Jill and her parents may be able to address their difficulties and repair their strained relationship. Whatever happened between Samuel’s parents and grandparents, it doesn’t appear that he was aware of it during his birthday party. We certainly hope he had a fantastic day!
