How to Heal a Family
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Forgiveness
By Cecilia Heather MacDonald

…and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,…
~Gospel of Matthew

Once upon a time I was married and everything seemed wonderful. Until it wasn’t. My husband and I went from love to separation. It was a difficult time.

Our custody agreement allowed me to move back to my hometown with our son. My ex-husband would get holiday and summer visits. Years passed and my ex and I never talked. He’d call and ask for our son. I’d pass the phone over and that was it.

As time went on, our son told me that his dad had suggested living with him for a year. I wasn’t thrilled about the idea and resisted. However, our son mentioned it several more times until it hit me that maybe he hoped I’d say yes. I thought about what it would be like as the parent with only occasional access, and I realized I could do this difficult thing for our son’s sake. Hiding my heartache, I told him he could live with his dad if that’s what he really wanted. He looked at me like I’d suggested he live on the moon, firmly replying: “No Mom, I want to live with you.” I felt something rush out of me, a fear I’d held for far too long, and realized something had to change in this broken family. (Keep reading)