One out of the five perpetrators was a family member who I continue to see on a regular basis. He was the one that was the hardest to forgive because he was always the favored child and protected by our parents and the favorite Grandchild. It was hard to see him receive such preferential treatment when my grandparents did not care for me at all. If they only knew....
Anyway, it was not until about four years ago when I finally was able to confront him that I was able to forgive him. I just basically told him i remembered it and described the details, ready for any reaction. At first he denied it, but I did not relent and then he broke down into tears. He said, "I am so glad you brought it up because I have been carrying this around like a load on my back my entire life." I said, "Well you don't have to anymore because I forgive you."
I am now able to sit in the same room with him and do not see the word "abuse" written on his forehead. Was a very freeing experience.
Sandy
Posted on Mar 28, 2002, 12:18 PM from IP address 64.12.101.153