Update: Reuniting With Father
Reuniting with my father after 30 years has been an amazing journey. Things are moving forward with my father in ways I thought were not possible. We speak several times a week and we email each other frequently. If anyone had asked me a year ago if I’d have a relationship with my father I would have replied “Hell no, for what?”…..but obviously he held a special place in my heart that I was not aware of. He was after all the first man in my life.
Forgiveness is a powerful thing – forgiving him for abandoning me as a young child allowed me to let go of the negative feelings and anger and move into the present with hope, hope that we would find a way to have a relationship here and now. While I haven’t forgotten about his actions, they no longer define or nag at me – I’ve released that hurt. I’ve learned that forgiveness is all about freeing yourself – not necessarily the person that hurt you.
Getting to know my father continues to be a joyful and profound experience for both of us. I’m finding we are very much alike in some ways. I feel comfortable talking to him about most anything, my anger, feeling cheated, my challenges, my questions – which have been penetrating and tough….but he doesn’t stick his head in the sand – we talk about it, even when it’s extremely uncomfortable. We laugh and joke about this thing called life, politics, grand children, good times and bad. I hope he has a strong ear…I have 30 years worth of stuff to tell him – LOL. While I’m still a little cautious with my feelings….he’s beginning to feel like an old shoe, comfortable and cozy.
He’s planning to return this September for another visit and I’m quite excited-because this time there won’t be an anxiety associated with it – we can just kick back and enjoy our time together.
I’m so thankful I made that call last November and I’d like to encourage everyone else that has “unfinished business” with a family member to make an attempt to mend your relationship……you might find a priceless treasure.
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Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing.
That’s Wonderful. I’m glad this is working out so good for you.
I just think that this is a beautiful thing…I’m so happy for you and your father…
Thanks for the update! I am happy that things are going well for you guys!
Peace & Love!
This is great news. I cannot imagine what it feels like to have to start from scratch building a relationship of this magnitude. You two are doing great.
@Shae-Shae- I love sharing good news.
@Yobachi – Thanks for your support.
@Marvelous – it is a beautiful thing….it’s really a miracle.
@Regina – I’ll never be able to thank you enough for your encouragement.
@Hicktown – Thanks Lynn, you’ve been here with me from the beginning…thank you for your support.
This post made me smile!! I am so very happy for you AJ…very, very happy!!!
@Chocl8t – I’m so thankful we’ve been given this opportunity and that my father has shown tremendous courage in taking on this journey – I’ve heard of stories of many men that never try to get it right with their children – they simply blame everyone else. I am blessed.
AJ – I’ve created a new meme, Sunday Inspirations just in time for Mother’s Day. Sunday Inspirations, is the meme to get help get us through the week ahead, the trials we may face, and yes, to say Thank Ya and testify! I hope you will participate and spread the inspiration!
SjP