A mixed blessing if there ever was one.
Hardly anything can enrage me as much as my family can, but hardly anyone can make me feel so taken care of and loved.
I’ve had my share of differences, disappointments and betrayals with my parents and – most of all – my brother.
Over the years, I believed I would never be able to forgive them, let go of everything that happened in the past and move on without resentment, without all the pain. I was mad, oh so mad and my childhood soul was still tortured by all the beatings, all the vicious words, all the helpless suffering.
And so I fled, traveled across the world, desperate to get away, start anew, forget what ever happened and rebuild my self-esteem. I was restless and unhappy – mentally ill and physically broken.
It didn’t work. I couldn’t forget. The memories haunted me, broke me, hurt me.
Today, however, I’ve forgiven. I’ve truly let go.
Today, I’ve moved back in to my childhood home.
Today, I live in my childhood room.
And I’m OK.
Miraculously, surprisingly, blessedly.
When I separated from my husband – again – there was no doubt in my parents’ minds that I could stay as long as I needed to. There was no silent reproach, no criticism, nothing. Only love and acceptance for where I was.
So, wherever you are, whatever your relationship with your family you have – don’t give up.
There’s always hope. There’s often healing. There’s joy and fun after the fear and pain.
It happened to me.
More Posts About Family
Deborah asks you how many families you have here
Karen shares her thoughts on families here
Elizabeth asks if we can really have it all here
Hi Anne-Sophie. My final blog on Families http://www.pinkpowwow.com/?p=545. Thanks for suggesting the challenge. On reflection I had fun, learnt how capable I am, that I can commit myself to something that takes me outside my comfort zone and follow through (that’s very important to me). Now on to trying to make my blog/website look like a winner!!
Good luck with everything. I love your blog already and think it looks super cute. I’m curious to see how you’ll change it.
hi anne…. love this…. 🙂 sorry this is the last day!!! my last blog post is finally up. I loved the past ten days… 🙂 get your thinking cap on!!! http://karenknapp69.wordpress.com
It was fun to have you onboard and I’m glad you tapped into the world of blogging, Karen.
Hi Anne-Sophie, my last post is here http://elizabethmilligan.com/2013/11/20/can-we-really-have-it-all/ It’s been a great ten days – hard work but I’ve really enjoyed it! Thanks for organising it 🙂
Thank you for participating. I’ve truly enjoyed reading your articles and learning more about your world. xxx
i heard that your husband left you for his young and cute girlfriend
Hi; loved your post. family can be wonderful and terrible. I have been blessed to live with my family while building my business. there is my mom, my one younger brother patrick his teenage son seth me and our crazy dog penny. for the most part we love and support each other. but there are days i have to remember that my mom and brother have issues they won’t settle any time soon and that for my own well being i avoid trying to fix or solve. you just have to let them do their thing and take yourself off until the storm is over and th sunshine and rainbows are back. thanks for sharing the post, max
Maxwell, I totally agree. The thing is, we’re not perfect – nobody is. But we can still choose to love each other and see the positive sides in each other. The more we focus on those, the better. I’m glad you support each other in that way!