I heard once that forgetfulness was a sure sign forgiving has occurred.  I
can tell you for a parent who only wants the best and to protect their
children when first confronted with the situation it is something which is
enormously traumatic.  I know I will never forget the first 9 words my
daughter said to me after I asked her why she was late coming home from her
friends house.  They were these:  "I lost my dolls hat, and I was raped."
It was hard for me to allow her to grow up as an ordinary teenager after
that.  I was very sheltering and perhaps a little over protective.  Thank
goodness despite that she has grown up to be an exceptionally good girl of
whom I am extremely proud.  Oh by the way, my son is being an extremely good
son these days.  He fixed the leak in my roof this morning and did some
school work before going out fishing with his friends.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rhonda" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 3:01 PM
Subject: Re: Something I discovered-forgiveness


> That sure is an interesting thought!  I wonder though as huans can we
truly
> forget, or is it rather that we don't make it a practice to daily or
weekly
> list the offenses others have  commited against us?
> I've been married for almost 21 years now, and I know there many times
that
> through word or action I have hurt the one I promised to love till death
do
> us part, and he has hurt me.  And if I wanted too, I could remember some
of
> the deepest hurts, there is a  memory of them, but the pain of them is not
> something that hinders my love for Ben, because I love him I have forgiven
> him, and as time goes by, I find it more dificult to recall speciffic
worda
> and actions.  I was thinking of Angel here, and the rape of her daughter,
a
> horriffic event, I am sure she will never forget,  so what do you all
think?
> Does forgiveness mean total forgetfullness?
>
> Rhonda