During Easter I visited with my daughter, her spouse and my three grandchildren ages 13, 12 and 8 in Tampa FL. I held our first family Seder Holy Thursday and there was plenty of reading time during the ritual for all. For Easter we headed to the beach for my 13 year old grandson to go para-sailing. JC was born in Jan and the weather finally agreed to let him "hit the water" at 80 degrees. We ate our Easter picnic lunch on the boardwalk, first time and delightful.
During the visit Lisa and I attended a counseling session regarding our relationship and my role in the family especially with my grandchildren. Times are challenging for the family and I sought healing for my daughter and my grandchildren. We were honest and open about Lisa's needs for support and my and concerns and ability to respond. After the session we hugged each other as we returned to our car.
I love my daughter and family and came away from the visit with a feeling of deep peace. I have now done all I could do to make amends with my daughter for my own failings as Lisa's mother. It was my unfinished business with Lisa and her family. Lisa is a matron of her own generation and is making decisions for her family to the best of her ability and understanding.
My Easter Good News:
It is never too late to say "Let us begin again as we are today." It is never too late to say, "I am sorry." Let us during this Easter season be open to reconciliation and the deepening of our relationships. You can do it as Jesus walks with us on our spiritual path to Emmaus where ever we live.
I recommend AlAnon to all who face situations when attending is appropriate. It is anonymous and follows the 12 step AA programs. AlAnon is free and the literature is tremendous. Alateen is for teens of alcoholic families. I joined in October 2009 and have learned so much about "what is on my own side of the street" and what belongs to another. My mother was an alcoholic and I find that my siblings and I carry on the behaviors of ACOAs. I am truly sorry that I did not join before now. I will help when I can knowing God is in control of Lisa's and my grandchildren's lives.
I write this as I explore "who I am" as a RCWP. For as I did as I studied in the CPE program I want to know how I am unconscious of my own behavior and thus impact negatively on those with whom I minister. Being a chaplain was one challenge; being a RCWP is at a whole new level of transparency.
Blessings everyone
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