Every few months, I read a story like this one that blows me away. I’ve been fortunate to have avoided profound tragedies such as the one featured in this story. If a malicious monster gunned down one of my loved ones, I don’t know that I have it in me to forgive them...let alone asking a judge if I could hug that person in a courtroom.
I believe this shows such inner strength and beauty in the character of the victim. She wanted to prevent her kids from harboring hatred in their hearts, even if the target of their ire certainly would deserve such vitriol. It would be understandable for anyone in this scenario to hold a grudge.
If this woman can find it in herself to forgive someone who callously gunned down the love of her life in cold blood, then what grudges are worth holding onto? The answer, whether you like it or not, is “none.” Not a single grudge is worth keeping.
That’s not to say you should give someone the chance to hurt you repeatedly. There’s nothing wrong with forgiving while also keeping a healthy distance between you and the person who wronged you. However, forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Use this story as motivation to release yourself from a toxic grudge you may have been carrying for years.