From a Swedish journalist:
One day my husband and I had had a row. My daughter came
to me in the kitchen and said, 'Mum, can't you forgive Daddy?'
To my shame I had to admit that this time it was just one
time too many. 'I am bitter and I can't.'
She leaned over the kitchen table and said very steadily
and intently, 'But Mum, you just say, "Forgive me."
That's all. It's so simple. Just one word. Forgive. Well,
I know it is difficult at first, but then when you have said
it, it is very simple and wonderful.'
I sat there, my heart stone dead.
She asked, 'Couldn't you make some coffee?' We often drink
what we call 'reconciliation coffee'. Slowly I went to the
stove, stiff and sour. She heard her father coming downstairs
and she looked at me, standing full of tension in the middle
of the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway, looking hesitatingly
at me. I said slowly (it was really difficult), 'Do you want
some coffee?' This meant, 'Forgive me.'
He rushed to the stove, embraced me happily and said, 'Yes,
thank you!' and there was our little girl jumping up and down
shouting, 'I did it, I did it! I said to Mum to do it.' And
she took a ginger biscuit, broke it in three pieces and we
silently ate a piece each, knowing all was well - thanks to
her.
From Listen to the Children by Annejet Campbell
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