Years ago, I made an unkind comment about a shirt-tail relative’s child in front of my children who were all young adults at the time.  Even while I was saying the words, I was thinking how wrong I was.  But I finished the thoughtless remark, got a lot of shocked laughter from my children.  They voiced disbelief and amused  surprise that I would be the one making an unkind observation, especially about a child!

That was years ago.  Long ago, I told all of my kids that I regretted my remarks.    Because of divorce, I haven’t seen the child in many years but my children recently saw her and reported that she had grown into an exceptionally attractive woman.

A couple of evenings ago at a party, a comment from a guest brought back my memory and I heard myself relating my story.  I just blurted it right out – a short version.   I realized that it was time to finally forgive myself.

I’m so grateful that the child was protected from hearing.   That makes self-forgiveness somewhat easier.  It was  an indelible lesson for me – and I think, my children.

No one but my children heard my comment -and they clearly know it is  one that I wish I had never uttered.  I’ve sometimes felt regret that they still remember.   But then….no, I choose to believe it was a lesson for all of us.

I’m so grateful that none of my children are critical of others.  In fact, I think that they’re exceptionally accepting of, and kind to others.

A lesson learned.   And so very grateful it was without harm to that little person.