Dinner With Monica Lewinsky -- 6 Reasons To Forgive Yourself

While we were recently in England we were invited to a dinner party that was also attended by Monica Lewinsky (yes, that Monica!). She struck us as being a beautiful, intelligent and confident woman, having attended the London School of Economics.

As we left we thought about how tough it can be to move on in life beyond difficult or challenging times, such as Monica experienced when she had her mistakes played out in the glare of the media spotlight and became one of the worlds most recognizable names. Who hasn't heard of Monica Lewinsky?

Forgiving ourselves for past transgressions is one of the hardest things we have to face at some time in our lives, as none of us get it right all the time. Imagine how boring it would be if we were all perfect and none of us ever did anything wrong. We are here to learn and grow, not to be perfect. Perfection is our ability to see our imperfections!

In a recent workshop, we asked how many people were carrying some personal guilt or shame for something they had done that they could not forgive themselves for. At least three-quarters of the people put up their hands. One participant, Leila, had been looking after her daughter's dog, when the dog unexpectedly died. Leila's grief was compounded by the guilt and remorse she felt. As she described this event it sounded very recent, so we were surprised to hear that, although it had happened many years earlier, Leila had still not been able to forgive herself.

Guilt for what we have done stays with us long after the event: I am such a bad, hopeless, useless, awful, uncaring, hurtful, unlovable person who never gets it right. We think that through our guilt we are somehow redeeming our wrong doing, when in reality all it does is create more suffering. Blame follows guilt: How could I have done such a thing? How can I ever trust myself? How can I ever be trusted by anyone else?

And that is the biggest reason why we need to forgive ourselves. Holding on to past guilt or shame hurts us, not anyone else, and it doesn't change what happened one iota. As we thought about this, so six different reasons to forgive ourselves came to mind.

1. We are not who we were yesterday
Within the space of seven years every cell in our body dies and is reformed, our thoughts are constantly changing and our feelings come and go. We are literally not the same person we were a minute ago, let alone a day, a month or a year ago. As we are no longer who we were when we did the deed, so we can bring forgiveness and hold our past self with kindness and compassion.

2. Forgiveness is not the same as forgetting
Inside us is the equivalent of an airplane's black box: everything we have been through is logged in, whether we are aware of it or not. So forgetting something is not really an option. No matter how hard we try, it will always be lurking around the corner, waiting to drag our emotions down again. On the other hand, forgiveness accepts the presence of the dreaded deed, it looks it full in the face and says, 'Yes, I know you. Now let's have tea together and get to know each other a bit better.'

3. We can learn so much from our mistakes
By getting to know who we were we have the chance to learn from what we did. We can become our own greatest teacher by seeing how mistaken we can be, even when we fully believe we are right. Mistakes show us we are human. If we do not acknowledge our blunders then we are not only blind to our own failings, but we are also much more likely to repeat them.

4. I am ok but I don't always get it right
Forgiving ourselves is not the same as forgiving what we did. A bad or rotten act is just that, and no amount of forgiveness will change it. But nor does constantly blaming ourselves. For instance, Monica made some obvious mistakes - but to continually blame herself will get her nowhere fast. What we can do is to really accept what we did while forgiving that part of us that was unaware of what we were doing or how it would impact other people; the part that just doesn't always get it right.

5. Accepting ourselves, warts and all
When we do something wrong or hurtful we tend to beat ourselves up, to try to find redemption through shame, remorse, and even self-hatred. "I am such an idiot," "My stupidity ruined everything," "I am a hopeless human being." Forgiving ourselves is the opposite. It is a radical acceptance of ourselves just as we are, mistakes and all, so that we can know ourselves more deeply and honestly. And because, in the long run, it is only through such self-acceptance that we are free to love and laugh again. Remember: Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly!

6. Letting go of the drama queen
This is one of the hardest things to do, but holding onto the story and the details of that happened is actually like a smokescreen that clouds our mind and stops us from seeing that we are more than the event, that whatever we did is not the whole of us. We can put the story down. We do not have to hold on to it, or keep repeating it in our minds. We can say: "I made a mistake, but I am not the guilt, I am not the mistake, I am not the failure, it is not the whole of me."

Forgiving ourselves is an ongoing process. Every time we criticize or blame ourselves for being hopeless, useless, wrong, stupid, for all the self-dislike and self-denial, for believing we deserve the bad things that happen, that we must have done something wrong to be so abused, for thinking we should have known better, that it was all our own fault, that we were asking for it, for rejecting ourselves, for abandoning ourselves, for ignoring or denying our own needs and feelings, we can simply say, "I forgive myself." We do not need to create more guilt, shame, or blame--the world has enough already.

Here is a little practice you can do. Sitting quietly, aware of your breathing, silently repeat, "Whether through my words or my actions, if I have created suffering for another, I forgive myself. If I have created suffering for myself, I forgive myself. May I be happy, may I be filled with forgiveness and love."

Have you had to forgive yourself? And how did you do it? Do leave us a comment below. You can receive notice of our blogs every Thursday by checking Become a Fan at the top.


Ed and Deb Shapiro's new book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, Forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors such as Marianne Williamson, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Michael Beckwith, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jane Fonda, Jack Kornfield, Byron Katie, Gangaji, Ellen Burstyn, Ed Begley, Dean Ornish, Russell Bishop, Dan Millman and others, will be published November 3rd 2009 by Sterling Ethos.

Deb is the author of the award-winning book YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND. Ed and Deb are the authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. They are corporate consultants, and the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See: www.EdandDebShapiro.com

Follow Ed and Deb Shapiro on Twitter: www.twitter.com/raniraji

Comments

[katzimmer]

Great article! The concept of forgiveness, and by extension self-forgiveness, sounds so easy in theory but is so difficult in practice.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

katzimmer - It's always a joy to hear from you

We are all in boot camp

Perfect is our ability to see our imperfections

Treasure yourself,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

katzimmer - thanks for your comment

firstly when we think something is difficult it is difficult

if we think soimething is posible it's possible .. if we think it is impossible it is impossible

we take things step by step .. first acknowledge then accept ... and onwards

Ed

[tapeatsbill]

Found you and am now a fan. Great post!

A dear friend who could not be in my wedding called me on the morning of my wedding day. He said this, "my gift to you is this. May god grant you the power of forgiveness."

I thouight it odd at the time but over the last 20 years and the break up of my marriage, I have come to realize that I did get the gift of forgiveness and that it was a most valuable gift indeed.

Forgiveness is a true miracle that each of us can perform. It sets both parties free and you are able to "give as before."

Feeling big gratitude for your writings!

Love is the verb for peace!

Bill Burns

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Bill Burns, I have marked you as a favorite and I am a fan of yours

so now we are even

Thank you for sharing your pesonal experience I recommend people read it

This is spot on!

Joy,

Ed

[liberation4life]

It is very hard for me or us as a person to look at what Ms. Lewinsky has been through and genuinely appreciate the sense of self-energy it takes to over come such adversity. Having said that, I am inclined to believe that Ms. Lewinsky has accepted said events with the former POTUS that was played out in public. Matters that she (and all us of would) hold closed up in her vault of secrets, and that she has moved on with her life.
Has she forgiven herself? We can never be entirely certain of this, but hopefully she has, and it is none of our business to continue meddling with this scar in our country's politics.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

liberation4life - Thank you for your comment- whether she has or hasn't or whether I have or have or anyone else is a personal matter

But if you have read this blog then what is important is why it is important to forgive oneself.

without forgiveness we are not alive, we are stuck in suffering we are not free to enjoy this wonderful world as our minds are caught in a painful place.

May all people be happy,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

liberation4life - thanks for your comment- how true we can never know another as few genuinely know themselves

But this blog is about forgiving ourselves ..she was an inspiration

Unless we can then we are in bondage, we are stuck in a negative mindset and it is painful

when we can forgive we are open to being a happier person.

Joyfully,

Ed

[LaurieAnn]

I have always had a difficult time with the concept of forgiveness. Perhaps it was because from the time I was very young people were always asking me to forgive someone else for his/her mistakes while never teaching me about the power of forgiving myself for my mistakes. I am grateful that the focus of your piece here is about self-forgiveness.

For me the ability to forgive myself has only come from a confrontation with the terribly self-centered person I once was, acknowledging that I acted in a hurtful way to others because I had been unable to process the hurt done to me. Once I was able to see this circle I was able to consciously decide that I would no longer act in avoidable ways that are unkind, unhelpful or dishonest. There is enough unavoidable pain in the world (illness, job loss, hurtful acts from others, etc.) that I don't want to contribute more pain to it. In other words, I am more aware of my affect on others, therefore I will be more responsible with my words and actions.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello LaurieAnn - Thank you for sharing your story ...

being able to see yourself honestly is courageous

Seeing yourself and the world clearly is a true sign of maturity and awakening to who you truly are. as we connect with our authentic self life becomes a treasure

When you come into your heart you connect with wisdom

Treasure yourself,

Ed

[TheBlackCat]

agreed.

[Recessionista]

I love this post, and I have nothing but compassion and forgiveness for poor Monica. As a VERY young person, she was overwhelmed to catch the eye of the charismatic President of the United States, Bill Clinton. I don't believe she thought through for one instant what the impact of her involvement with Clinton would be. And she paid a heavy price for it. So much of her young life has been ruined by people's judgmental opinions of this one indiscretion. If Ken Starr had not decided to go after it, her actions would've hurt no one. I would like to see Monica write another book on how her rights were repeatedly violated by Ken Starr's Spanish Inquisition. It's unbelievable to me that she was detained without counsel at the Ritz Carlton for hours while Starr's lawyers interrogated her. There was more focus on poor Monica than any of the Bushes indiscretions in the prior administration.
The whole thing was a shameful period in American History. I hope that Monica can find some happiness and privacy in her life now. She has really suffered greatly as a result of one man's blind ambition (Ken Starr) and desire to topple the Clinton presidency. The US Taxpayers paid millions for the Ken Starr investigations, and for no end purpose. If only we had those $$ back today to help us in this great recession, think how many people could be helped!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Recessionista - Bravo! this is a wonderful viewpoint- I like your passion

She has been put through so much and she looks amazingly well

I would never have thought she went through such demonizing ...she appeared to have put it behind her.
The Ken Starrs and all the other people who tried to use her have to face their karma

I believe that their karma has driven over their dogma... so I wish them well..they will need all the luck they can get.

Be happy,

Ed

[TheBlackCat]

If Ken Starr had not decided to go after it, her actions would've hurt no one.

Not entirely true. Clinton was married with a daughter. Having an affair with a married man is wrong and hurtful even if you don't get caught.

But I agree with the general point of your post that she was VERY young and people make stupid mistakes especially when they are young, it doesn't make them bad people overall.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

TBC thanks for sharing your insights

Ken Starr is the shadow in this...ultimately they were going after Clinton and tried any and evrything to bring him down

JFK had 5 interns and they were all friends.... It doesn't make it right but it was appalling to try and impeach a prez for this and George Bush/Dickie Cheney and the mob created and illegal war among other horrific things

What Monica went through for what happened is boring in comparison ... from what I see many marriages face challenges and this drama was one among so many. I am not condoning it but it is no ones business ..it is a family matter

[Lilith33]

Ken Starr was anouther neo-con anlong with linda Tripp and lucian goldberg.I­nteresting tid-bit....Ken starrs uncle started AIG in china....it was a cia front company....yes THAT AIG.

[aFlyoverPerson]

I like the points made in this post and would like to pass them on. I have a special lapsed-Catholic friend will who will struggle mightily with this, but will appreciate it in the end!

Maybe bringing Monica into the picture confounds the thesis, here. We can't ignore the impact of what she did. [Likely Gore would have won the 2000 election had this not been an issue - so she is Nader in my book.] But, beyond the normal home wrecker arguments, could she have foreseen the flap that the Republicans made of it? I doubt it.

[kesmarn]

I don't think anyone expects her to take responsibility for what every other person did with this sorry episode. But she will feel better if she takes responsibility for what SHE did. To claim that she was a victim as much as anyone leaves her stuck with the victim role ad infinitum, whereas owning up to the fact that she did something that was flat-out wrong and damaging to others will free her to move on.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

you are talking about a 21 year old ...10 years ago... I would think that she has dealt with this already

who knows what has happened in her life since then

to begin with let us forgive ourselves for what we have done to hurt and cause suffering to another

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi FlyoverPerson. Thanks for your comment...glad you understood the post

Ultmately I believe it was Bush and the countries destiny that Bush won...and it could be the reason Obama won and as for Al Gore his position in the world is spot on

Ed

[MathIsTruth]

Not to be smart-alecky... but the concept of forgiveness has absolutely no meaning if you are a believer in destiny. If people can only do what they are destined to do, there is no such thing as right or wrong or fault or forgiveness. There are just human marionettes with destiny tugging at their strings.

[Okieborn]

Hoo Ray For Monica Lewinski !!
This Lady has recovered from the bashing she has been through and I am so very proud of her !!!!!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hoo Ray for Okieborn thanks for your comment-

You have every right to feel that way...she just looked lovely alive and at ease

Jolly be,

ed

[Carmichael]

I love the article, it is very helpful, I'll apply it to my own life, thanks.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Carmichael thanks for your comment

I love your smile

When you forgive you can dance..jum­p...scream and shout and it's all

LOVE

Be happy,

Ed

[kesmarn]

Monica Lewinsky will truly be able to come to terms with all of this only after she personally and humbly apologises to Hillary and Chelsea Clinton for all the hurt and humiliation she willingly inflicted upon them both. She appeared at the time and still does appear to be an extremely calculating and cynically ambitious person--even going to the length of attempting extortion by threatening to blow the whistle on Clinton if she didn't receive a high-paying job with "no responsibilities." Self-forgiveness will follow after a serious examination of her own conscience and some effort toward reparations.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi kesmarn- you have an interesting point of you but I disagree with you a bit

Firstly Bill was with many women long before her. She was a young girls swept off her feet. He is known to come on to women all the time. President John Kennedy had 5 interns and they were all friends. Of course it doesn't make it right. But when powerful men come on to young women it isn't always easy. It is 10 years and so let the past be that.

I don't agree that she appears to be a calculating woman that is a projection.

Forgiveness of any kind is internal. You don't need a reason other than acknowledging it in yourself.

May all beings be happy and free from suffering,

Ed

[kesmarn]

This isn't about Bill Clinton. This is about Monica Lewinsky, who was not raped and was not a minor. His past has nothing to do with this topic.

Thanks for your "kindness" in declaring that my impression of her as a calculating woman (why else hold on to a dress for years as evidence and a tool for blackmail?) is a projection of my own personality. What a compliment and how very tactful of you.

Forgiveness--like self-esteem--needs to be rooted in reality. It isn't enough to say: "I'm special; I deserve to be happy." and then dance merrily away, when you've deeply hurt others and never even made the effort to apologise.

Life isn't about "being happy" all the time. It also involves being a decent person. We don't have an innate right to always be "free from suffering." Especially when we inflict it deliberately on others.

[VanillaCreme]

Jesus is the way, the truth, and life; not Hillary or Chelsea. Monica needs Jesus, and Bill needs to mend with his wife.

[kesmarn]

Hillary and Chelsea were the injured parties in this situation. What did they ever do to Lewinsky that she would cause them pain/humiliation?

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

all ways lead to Rome--- I respect yours and am happy Jesus is your way but when you say it be away that other people have their truth and way

The Catholics hold the tail of the elephant...the jews hold a leg...the Muslims hold and ear...the Christians hold the other ear...the Hindu's hold a leg... the Buddhist hole another

they all say, "they are holding the elephant" and each one is right.

May ALL beings be Happy,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Sorry kesmarn

It is not about anyone it is about everyone

She was an inspiration for this blog...what we are saying is to forgive ourselves not anyone else

Happiness is our birthright*** and yes happiness all the time, as it is our essence it is who we all are when the ignorance of separation dissolves.. these are ancient teachings long before we all were here..

The mind is a perfect servant but a terrible master...f­orgiveness doesn't need to be rooted anywhere it is an expression of our innate self..it arises from within our of compassion..also self esteem is an inner unshakable conficence ..if you can get it from outside you can lose it just as fast.

Yes we do have an innate right to be free from suffering it is the main teachings of the Buddha part of the 4 Noble Truths. This is ancient wisdom it is a gift from the awake ones.

Life is a precious gift ...a treasure to be enjoy,

May all beings be happy and free from suffering, (said thousands of years ago)

Ed

[Jwall58]

I loved your article. I decided long ago that living without forgiveness in my life was not an option. Carrying old hurts and holding grudges were weighing me down. I am now a much happier person, I know I am not perfect by any strectch of the imagination and neither are those around me, but I chose to look past all of that and move forward with my life.
Thanks again for your post, it was a good one and one I will keep on file for future reference for my children.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Jwall58 - Thanks for your wonderful, hartfelt comment-

I appreciate your sharing...i have you as a favorite and I am your fan...I feel it is good to share what you said.

"I decided long ago that living without forgiveness in my life was not an option. Carrying old hurts and holding grudges were weighing me down. I am now a much happier person, I know I am not perfect by any strectch of the imagination and neither are those around me, but I chose to look past all of that and move forward with my life."

Treasure yourdself,

Ed

[tazmodious]

Ed and Deb,

Thank you for printing these words. Today, I realized I missed a graduate class last week and have felt pretty upset with myself all morning. In the days before the class I had 3 job interviews and my dog was diagnosed with permanent blindness in both eyes. I didn't get any of the jobs and I have been frustrated especially for having to be searching for another teaching job again this year.


The "funny" thing is that we also had an online class the day before and that I thought we were following the normal schedule of one class a week. I even looked at the schedule, but my mind must have decided to see the date and schedule it wanted to see not what was actually printed.

I feel like I've been working hard to do everything right lately with my career in front of the right people. Colleagues tell me I am doing everything right but that it is a very competitive market in this region for teachers right now. Therefore, when I do make a mistake it seems that much bigger and damaging. Especially since my professor is one of my colleagues.

I have just come to realize that I have been so self absorbed and unaware of life beyond these few pressing issues. I guess this has been a wake up call to trust that this is really just another minor bump in the grand scheme of things.

Thank You

Jon A.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Wonderful Jon A - thanks for your comment and for sharing your heartfelt story..

You hav ebeen through a lot...to say the least. You have a beautiful heart and just be strong and stay in your heart. Things change and nothing stays the same.

Know dep inside you that you are moving in the right direction. be your own best friend. Contact me anytime...you will be ok

That I know,

Treasure yourself,

Ed

[Akat1973]

This is a good post and a reminder that people grow and change. To me,this was always a personal& private matter! I cant imagine what it must feel like to be her,and judged constantly.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

This is so dear Akat1973- I appreciate your thoughts.

You touch my heart,

Treasure yourself,

Ed

[wallyone]

It would be hard to forgive oneself for making sure George W. was elected over Al Gore. Millions of Americans were disgusted over what they perceived as conduct that disgraced the oval office. I personally was not one of them, but that was a pervasive right wing idea that actually had some truth in it. .

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

wallyone- Thanks for your comment-

If it wasn't for George Bush... Barack Obama wouldn't have been president. the repubs wouldn't be in such disarray ... quite often things happen for a reason.

Enjoy the journey,

Ed

[djs111]

Do you honestly believe that the war and killing and the financial ruin of the eight Bush years were worth it in order to elect Obama?

Sorry, that is ridiculous. It may be an attempt to gloss over what cannot be helped,but the implications of saying the ruin was necessary and worthwhile are quite disturbing.
At the very least, it is dehumanizing the people who were killed and lost homes and jobs.

If that was all worth it just to elect a person as president, then priorities are misplaced.
And we have yet to see how this administration is going to work out.

[cseper]

Let's all forget about Monica!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

It's best to let others make their own decisions

The beauty of life is the joy of difference... let us all be a little kinder

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Let each person make theor own decision...

No 2 snowflakes are alike..no 2 people are alike

we could all be a little kinder

[vinainor]

It was the republicans who made a big deal out of the Monica scandal and took advantage of it to impeach Clinton This was a big deal for Clinton's family, and it should have stayed that way. People were not killed over this error of judgment as thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) were killed because of Bush's error of judgment. If you read Clinton's biography, the amount of crap that he took for this from the republican party's actually made Hillary feel sorry for him and brought them closer together. How ironic!

[Tugar]

I second all you just said here ! It was the Republican Party that made more of the Monica/Bill thing anyone I can recall ! THAT'S WHAT THEY DO BEST... JUMP ON SOMEONE FOR NONSENSE...

BECAUSE FOR YEARS NOW, THE GOP HAS BEEN TOTALLY EMPTY, AND CANNOT OFFER ANYTHING POSITIVE... OTHER THAN SOMETHING LIKE: "JOE THE PLUMBER, AND AIR HEADS THAT DON'T KNOW THEIR REARS FROM THEIR FEET !

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Tugar - I couldn't agree with you more!

Enjoy the journey -

Ed

[Tugar]

AND WHILE THE REPUBS WERE DANCING ALL OVER THIS NONSENSE...

SOMEONE WAS PLANNING 911, BUT AMERICA WAS LOOKING ELSEWHERE !

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Tugar - That is the nature of politics

The ego-centric self serving politician - sees people are the to control

The Obama mindset is ...how can I serve?

Ed

[brendaadelman]

In all my work with forgiveness I've learned that when I blame anyone I create separation, move out of compassion for myself and add stress to myself and the world. I agree that the republicans spent way too much money and way too much time on the affair between President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. I am for peace and not war. I definitely felt bamboozled by the media and President Bush and could not believe that we went into Iraq when we did. However, when I allow myself to continue to be emotionally triggered by the events 'out there' it is my life and those I love that suffer. I end up making decisions out of the very fear and anger that I am condemning in others.. The key to freedom and peace is taking 100 % responsibility for how we feel, the thoughts we have and the actions we take and then love ourselves despite our judgments. When we forgive and love ourselves we can truly have compassion for those who have hurt us and that just feels better.

Brenda Adelman is a forgiveness coach and an award winning actress. Check out her free ecourse The 5 Top Reasons to Never Forgive and Why You Must at http://www.forgivenessandfreedom.com

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

brendaaddelman- This is brilliant

I must repeat it for everyone to read:

"In all my work with forgiveness I've learned that when I blame anyone I create separation, move out of compassion for myself and add stress to myself and the world. I agree that the republicans spent way too much money and way too much time on the affair between President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. I am for peace and not war. I definitely felt bamboozled by the media and President Bush and could not believe that we went into Iraq when we did. However, when I allow myself to continue to be emotionally triggered by the events 'out there' it is my life and those I love that suffer. I end up making decisions out of the very fear and anger that I am condemning in others.. The key to freedom and peace is taking 100 % responsibility for how we feel, the thoughts we have and the actions we take and then love ourselves despite our judgments. When we forgive and love ourselves we can truly have compassion for those who have hurt us and that just feels better.

Brenda Adelman is a forgiveness coach and an award winning actress. Check out her free course The 5 Top Reasons to Never Forgive and Why You Must at http://www.forgivenessandfreedom.com

Treasure Yourself,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

vinainor - great point thanks for your comment

I wish that this was more know and others could see this

It shows how compassion and forgiveness can be an ally

Ed