Thursday, November 5, 2015

Honor, Empathy, Ignorance

To the Woman who told me, “It is certainly NOT NICE to meet you,”

I never thought I’d say this, but I’d like to apologize.  I apologize for not taking the time to properly introduce myself weeks ago.  I apologize that I was not as sympathetic to your side of the story as I should have been.  I apologize if my opinions came off too strong, or my tone was a bit emotional or too harsh.  And, I apologize, most of all, for getting caught up in the moment and for finding fault when I was guilty of the same.
You see, I am a mother, just like you; looking out for my children, in a similar way.  I’m sure you’d agree, that any formidable “Momma Bear” would be quick to flash teeth and show claws, when the well-being of her cubs is concerned.  If you had the courage to see, you would realize that we are alike, in far more ways, than we are different. 
Yet, with sincere gratitude, I thank you.  You have proven to me that the age-old adage of “the apple does not fall far from the apple tree,” really is true.  You have opened my eyes to the meaning of “when people show you who they are, believe them;” and made me sadly realize that in most cases, you can’t fight ignorance.
Thank you for showing me, in shining example, of how NOT to treat people.  Thank you for brilliantly illustrating the lessons I do NOT want to teach my children.  Most of all, thank you for reminding me to NOT let anger and bitterness seep into every fabric of my being.
I understand your need to spew hate….and to possibly attack my character, appearance, and individual family members.  I forgive you.  I understand that your anger comes from fear; and, I forgive that, too.  Because , if you knew me, and you do not.  You would know that I will not sit idly by when I feel an injustice has been done.  That I do not wield my pen or my sword lightly.  That I am a kind, loyal, brutally honest and funny person.  I would like to think, someone you’d want on your side of a battle.  Someone with an endearing soft side for the “underdog,” and who will gamely admit when she is wrong.

Yes, I have been known to rattle a cage or two in disapproval.  In the end, you will always know, exactly where you stand.  If you knew me, and you do not.  You’d see that we share more similarities, than grievances.  You’d see someone that wants to fix, not rupture.  Someone who tries hard to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  Do not be mistaken, I am no doormat.  I do not need your approval or friendship.  I know exactly who you are and what you said.  I know myself and I know the truth.  And, that is all I need.