The Past Is To Be Learned From... Not Lived In

Dear Gabriel,

Please, please, please, please, PLEASE... don't ever use my mistakes as a parent as an excuse to be a victim when you are an adult.

I will be the first one to admit that I have and will make a lot of mistakes. It's the same thing with my parents. They will be the first to admit they made a lot of mistakes. BUT - what matters is learning for your mistakes and the mistakes of others in order to rise above them.

The past is to be learned from NOT lived in ~(Jeffrey Holland). Remember this phrase anytime you want to blame anyone for anything. It is not right to blame. It is not right to victimize yourself because of someone else's life and mistakes.

With this in mind, please know that there are going to be times when you will be wronged by people. I have experienced it and I know I have wronged people during my life as well. It is going to happen, we are human and it will happen. If you ever feel like I am 'wronging' you in some way (especially as you become a teenager and adult) please know I want you to come and talk with me about it. Be open, be honest. But don't dwell there. Use it and move forward.

Love people - really love them. Approach everything and everyone with love. If you stay in that place, you will not be a hypocrite, nor will you be a victim. You will be using your free agency to the fullest extent possible.

I love you,

Your Mom