This Mother’s Day stirred up a whirlwind of emotions that I needed time to process. It’s taken me a while to share this because it’s a story woven with deep feelings.
When I was just a year old, my parents split, and I went to live with my dad and grandparents. My grandma became like a mom to me, showering me with unconditional love and teaching me about hard work and family bonds. There wasn’t anything I did that wasn’t forgiven, with enough Hail Maries and a promise to go to church, that is.
My dad remarried when I was 3 years old, and I’ve been blessed to have a consistent mother figure in my life since. What a blessing to have not one but 2 moms. But life threw a curveball when I reconnected with my birth mom at 17. It was tough, feeling out of place among her other kids who adored her when I just felt rejected and unwelcomed.
I moved away, and for almost 20 years, I thought I had reconciled my peace. Then, 3 weeks ago, I received a message from one of my half-sisters informing me that my birth mother was very ill and had been wanting to talk to me for years but was afraid of my reaction.
Through my personal and professional journey, I learned a crucial lesson about forgiveness. It’s not just about letting go of past hurts; it’s about freeing ourselves from the burdens that weigh us down. Someone once said, “Forgiveness is the apology you will never get,” and those words rang true in my heart.
When I spoke to my birth mother, my primary goal was to give her the peace she needed. I realized that holding onto resentment was like carrying a heavy weight that only hurt me. So, I chose to forgive, not only for her sake but for mine. It was a release from the pain I had carried for so long.
This story is a testament to the power of forgiveness, a reminder that it’s not about forgetting or condoning hurtful actions but about reclaiming our own happiness and well-being. We have the power to our happiness, nobody else.
Later that day, she passed away, and I found solace in knowing that I had offered her peace and said my own peace.
This story is about healing and understanding, about the ups and downs of family ties. It’s a reminder that forgiveness brings us peace, and the love of mothers and mother figures is priceless
Cindy Santos-Mendoza
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