It is that time of year again. Time to think about the Christmas letter. This is a time to reflect on all of the happenings of the year, both happy and sometimes sad. 2007 was a wonderful year in many ways but it was also somewhat sad. The sadness provided lots of growth opportunity.
The sadness centered around the passing of my brother Thomas, Tommy. Tommy and I were incredibly close as children. Yet, as we entered adulthood we grew apart, to the point of being estranged. I cannot remember an incident or a reason for our drift apart, but it happened. When Tommy was diagnosed with cancer, he reached out to bridge the divide we were experiencing. During his remaining months we communicated on a regular basis. Tommy gave me one of the most beautiful gifts in the world. While I am a person of faith and believe in the spirit of forgiveness, I do not think I really understood the power of giving and receiving forgiveness. I was able to be with him during his last days and I can say that those 16 years that passed since we had last truly communicated were erased in an instant. The love that we shared as children was multiplied. Tommy forgave me for my stubbornness and I forgave Tommy for what ever he felt he did that offended me. (There was no reason to forgive him, but I gave it willingly.) My only regret is that it took a major illness to make us realize that we were very important to each other and that our love can and should supersede our false pride.
Do you have anyone you would like to renew that love or friendship with? If so do it now, not at the deathbed. Rejoice in the feelings of freedom and gratitude that forgiveness can bring you. Thank you Tommy, for your special gift and all the gifts of love and friendship you gave me through the years.