tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605500270998294975.post8437138271570092426..comments2008-09-06T10:18:31.208-07:00Artbygemnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605500270998294975.post-49113169739831331922008-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:002008-09-06T10:18:00.000-07:00Awesome! There are so many great things about this story (outside of all the horror). One, how wonderful that you started to validate yourself by writing positive remarks on your report cards. Two, how wonderful that you actively chose to live a different life and to raise a loving (and safe) family. Those are two terrifically brave achievements!<BR/><BR/>However, I disagree with Nanny. It puts so much pressure and guilt upon you to forgive someone when you've gone through enough already! <BR/><BR/>Remember -- you NEVER have to forgive you father if you don't want to. You are loved and valuable whether you forgive him or not. Don't worry if your father's in heaven or hell -- that's not up to you. Until then, just continue to Love yourself and understand your true value. <BR/><BR/>Love you!!Melissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605500270998294975.post-9846235100011199302008-06-14T19:55:00.000-07:002008-06-14T19:55:00.000-07:00This is a beautiful post.starsgobluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715616548893153481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605500270998294975.post-70932074448881749312008-06-05T16:04:00.000-07:002008-06-05T16:04:00.000-07:00What a great testimonial to the resistence of kids. You would make a wonderful speaker for abused children! Fortunately, things have come a long way since the fifties and teachers now pay attention to children better than they did back then. They are trained to spot abuse and turn it in to the authorities. I am so sorry you suffered but you sure did came back strong, girl! You are a true inspiration, but I agree with 'melissa' that you don't have to feel guilty about not forgiving a jerk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605500270998294975.post-79371851420981063402008-06-05T10:07:00.000-07:002008-06-05T10:07:00.000-07:00Melissa, Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I think God gave us the power to forgive others because it gives us power over others. To forgive, or not to forgive, someone makes us feel God-like, at least for a while, and when you feel power over someone who has hurt you, you are empowered, and that is never bad. <BR/><BR/>Forgiveness is a tough topic, isn't it? So much going on behind that word.Mumsydoodlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13292236343782523747noreply@blogger.com