I could never forgive you for all the times you hit me.
I could never forgive you for all the times you chose drugs over me.
I could never forgive you for making Dad’s death all about you.
I could never forgive you for treating me like an adult instead of a child.
I could never forgive you for giving my things to dealers for drugs.
I could never forgive you for making every day seem so dangerous and scary.
I could never forgive you for teaching me how to lie.
I could never forgive you for abandoning me.
I could never forgive you for wanting to kill yourself.
I could never forgive you for screaming in my face.
I could never forgive you for the hateful whispers in my ear.
I could never forgive you for ignoring me.
…but I’m trying to forgive…
I’ve been working to forgive you for all the ways that you failed.
It’s become easier with age as I’ve watched myself fail again and again.
It’s become more necessary now that I have a child to teach and love.
It’s become one of the central goals in my life.
I love you, mom.
I will never stop forgiving you.
I will never stop loving you.
I know that if you had the chance to take it all back you would.
I cherish the love you have for my child.
The love you have for her has made all the difference.
Thank you, God, for teaching me how to forgive.
Thank you, God, for teaching me how to love.
Thank you, God, for using my mom to teach me these things and more.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. We’re in this together.