Responselet 9643a
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 1996 21:24:36 -0500
Dad,
I wanted to let you know how much our talk has affected me these last couple of days. I think for the first time, we have been able to talk as friends. Not as a judgemental parent and child, but as friends. I have been praying the last two nights, and have been able to feel the spirit alot more with me. I am thankful for everything you have done for me. I know that I probably don't even know a quarter of what you have done to attempt to make my life more pleasant and easier, but I do appreciate it. I really liked this week's thoughtlet on forgiveness. I especially liked when you said, "I think it starts with accepting there are limits, continues with forgiving outself and then others, and requires us to re-evaluate our needs in light of learning we exceeded a limit." I wrote that down in my journal. Anyways, I do love you and I'm not sure what to think about what is going on. I love my family, and I don't think a finger should be pointed at anyone for failure of providing too high of standards or at anyone who falls short of the standards that have been set. I think that acceptance is a hard thing for you, as well as everyone. I wanted to share with you something that keeps my spirits up when I've had a rough day, and I don't think I can make it through the next, or when I just feel like completely giving up. It's on a bookmark that I glued to the fromt of my journal, and it's what I feel I have based much of my life and choices around. In fact, I used part of it as my senior quote. "By doing what needs to be done right now, we make the most of each present moment. As long as we are alive, we are always free to begin again. Instead of following an old, worn-out havit, make a fresh start this moment on the rest of your life. Each day is a new start. Each moment is a beginning. I love you.
Melanie