Forgiveness

Forgiveness is letting go

of the pain

and accepting what has happened

because it will not change.

Forgiveness is dismissing

the blame.

Choices were made that caused the hurt;

we each could have chosen

differently,

but we didn't

Forgiveness is looking

at the pain,

learning the lessons

it has produced, and understanding

what we have learned.

Forgiveness allows us to move on

towards a better understanding

of universal love

and our true purpose.

Forgiveness is knowing that love

is the answer to all questions,

and that we all

are in some way connected.

Forgiveness is starting over

with the knowledge

that we have gained.

I forgive you, and I forgive myself.

I hope you can do the same.

-poem by Judith Mammay