“MAMA, can we have one-on-one time together?”
I looked up at a face painted with glee, pure and true. Where did this 5-year old girl get this idea from? 💡
Tears dammed behind my eyes as a memory pushed its way to the surface.
When I was a teen, I asked my mom out for lunch, one-on-one. But she declined, over and over. It stained me, somehow. Over time, as I healed, I learned to think differently about those rejections. It was hard, but over time, I gained clarity about what I could and couldn’t control.
But my greatest healing came when my own daughter asked me the same question.
“What gave you this idea, Sarah-Faith?” I frowned and smiled, curious and fascinated.
“I think when people love each other, they do one-on-one.” She beamed, eyes sparkling. “I want to watch my favorite show with you and eat something yummy together.”
I looked at her, tears brimming at her simple request, as a wave of healing washed over me. 🌊
I’m learning- we might not be able to change our past. But we can change our futures.
Forgiveness releases restoration. And compassion releases hope.
I’m grateful- for the healing I experienced, for the love that still exists in my family of origin in spite of our differences, and the chance to rewrite my new family’s story.
“I’m glad we did this, Sarah-Faith. Let’s do it again.”
“Yes, Mama. Next week, I’ll do this with Papa and you’ll do it with Meimei (lil’ sis).”