Forgiveness

Forgiveness is letting go
of the pain
and accepting what has happened,
because it will not change.
Forgiveness is dismissing
the blame.
Choices were made that
caused the hurt;
we each could have chosen
differently,
but we didn't.

Forgiveness is looking
at the pain,
learning the lessons
it has produced,
and understanding
what we have learned.

Forgiveness allows us to move on
towards a better understanding
of universal love
and our true purpose.

Forgiveness is knowing that love
is the answer to all questions,
and that we all
are in some way connected.

Forgiveness is starting over
with the knowledge
that we have gained.
I forgive you, and I forgive myself.
I hope you can do the same.
 

-Poem by Judith Mammay