Today I went to my brother’s house and spent some quality time. While I was there we got into a conversation about our parents and up bringing. I found out some shocking news. My Dad not only was a womanizer, but he was both verbally and physically abusive to my mother. In addition, he was an alcoholic. Now, the womanizing I knew about, but I was too young to remember the alcoholism or physical abuse.
Through the years, I have had bouts of anger towards my Mother. I felt like she was never there for me emotionally the way that I needed her. Actually I felt pretty abandoned by her. She was and still is a shell of who she used to be. Learning this news helped me remember how important it is to have compassion for my Mom. Realizing all that she went through in life, with her troubled upbringing, her abusive husband, and finally having to raise two kids on her own, brings tears to my eyes 
. I sympathize and empathize with her. No one is perfect, we all have our flaws. Most importantly, most of us are doing the best that we possibly can at the time.
I love you Mom, I am working on forgiving you. I pray that I find the strength to let go of the past.
With Love,
K
