Sunday 9 August 2009

Forgiveness

I have been so inspired by our friends. So many have an incredible heart & spirit. An ability to keep going. We all have so much within us we are yet to discover. Each day in adversity brings new challenges, new opportunities for us to grow.
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My beloved Mum has been becoming increasingly anxious as I have struggled to deal with my reaction to the failing of my friendship with my best friend. I simply could not control my emotions. The last thing I wanted to do was cause Mum more anxiety. We were in effect feeding each others fears & worries. I was so selfishly obsessed by my pain I had let it take over my life.
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There was a very wise comment on a television programme recently which made me realise where I had been going so wrong. The quote went something like
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"Learn from your pain, but try not to let it be your master".
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The long period of grieving I had felt at losing the special friendship I once had with my friend turned for a time into anger. Anger at myself for reacting as I did, which made my Mum ill. Frustration at not being able to deal with my own emotions. I also very briefly felt anger towards the other parties involved especially as my pleas for help as I knew my resulting depression was making me ill & this was causing my Mum to worry, were not fully appreciated.
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Perhaps my willingness to forgive & try to move on was instrumental in the misunderstanding that caused so much pain for so many people I love so dearly. Just because you forgive it does not mean you necessarily forget. Far from it. I intensely dislike any conflict & just want everyone to be happy. That Utopian view is something which will always remain just a dream.
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The anger was I guess a natural part of the healing process & went quickly, but the message was clear. From that moment I was able to control my emotions, let go of the grief & move on a little. Sometimes we have to prioritise where to use our emotional energy. I am very forgiving & my dear friends must have far more important things than me, something really worrying them, to behave so out of character. I wish them well. I will always love them.
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It was only last Monday I found out quite how ill Mum was becoming, when I took her to the doctors. This was to be an eclectic moment during which I found clarity; I found guidance & self belief through my faith & by life's many challenges. Mum thankfully seemed to be generally improving now.
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I thought we had both turned a corner & then bang I managed to reverse my parent’s new car into a pillar at the hospital on Tuesday. I was so frightened of how my Mum was going to cope. Being so vulnerable I feared this would be the final straw but she was remarkable. Calmness personified. She was only concerned for me not the car. She forgave me, as did my Dad & they both offered their unconditional love. Mum & I subsequently shared a magical days clothes shopping together. Friday I met the surgeon who did my Facial Feminisation Surgery in London & had a great session with my counselor. My Mum is still very vulnerable but there was I hope more peace in our hearts.
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My parents health is of paramount importance to me. I am also due to have a very important meeting with the consultant psychiatrist who kindly referred me for surgery this Monday at my local hospital to further confirm my suitability mentally for my surgery. Had I been scheduled a week or so ago when I was still really struggling even though it was nothing to do with my gender issues or surgery who knows what may have happened.
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We can learn from our pain, at least the mental pain. Physical pain must be so much more difficult & I cannot begin to imagine how you deal with that. What we do share is the knowledge we are not alone in this world. Angels are every where!
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I hope my beloved family can forgive me for the all the anguish I have caused.
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To all my friends I have failed to stay in touch with or have sent confusing messages to, especially recently, please forgive me. I will never forget you.
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If you have faced up to a huge challenge & have re found your faith in yourself you have also found a truly remarkable spirit. You Rock! Dig deep my friends.
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You are doing the best you possibly can & you are inspiring others too, especially me.
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Big (((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))) & ((((((((Peaceful thoughts)))))))))
Have a good week
Take care
Love
Debbie
PS I wrote this after receiving a sweet message from Karen who reads this blog. You are all Angels to me!

3 comments:

Anji said...

I get the impression that you have made another step forwards. Like you, I want everyone to get along and be happy. I get very upset when there is a family argument, which has been often in recent years having 3 teenagers passing though difficult years. It is hard to let go;"Learn from your pain, but try not to let it be your master".is excellent advise.

Have a good week

Debbie K said...

Hi Anji
I keep moving forward but sometimes the ground beneath me gives way. My tummy is in knots. I have been awake since 3.30 as my anxiety has taken over all my best laid plans. Deep breaths. This is a big day for me. Mum is not too good & I am taking her to see her doctor again. I am also stressing over my appointment at the hospital.
Bless you
Love
Debbie

Debbie K said...

Update:-
I made it. I managed to face my demons. I was really frightened I would have a panic attack & ruin my very important consultation this morning. He was very pleased with me. He said I did all the hardwork but without his guidance & support I would never have made it this far. So thats another hurdle cleared this old nag thought they would never clear with their current form!

Thats one worry solved now for the more important one, my dear Mums health. I have checked her GP is in today for her appointment. Last time he went off sick at the last momment. Its easy to forget Gps are only human too.

May your week be kind to you.
Love
Debbie