Happy Birthday

I'm sorry that I was not able to be more understanding, being related gets in the way. It's always easier to relate to and to forgive when it's not a family member. Why is that? Is it because familial love is supposed to be given, and nothing is expected back? I can't think straight - what kind of Love is that again? No matter, we often take family members for granted, especially today when everyone has a "dysfunctional" family. What a cliche. I'm sick of the term. Maybe as a society, we've been coming to terms with denials and lies that have infected the fabric of families, but like A.D.D things have gotten out of control. It's become a blanket term for people who are unwilling to take responsibility for their part or lack of taking part in family matters. That is why I'm saying, I acknowledge my responsibility for not being the most understanding or loving son that I could have been. We talked of trying to talk about the past to understand what happened or didn't. When we did, it often ended in more hurt feelings. I am tired or hurting and being hurt. I do not have to be right. I refuse to cling to the past. For a long time I did, and it almost destroyed me. I'm learning to let go, and take each day as it comes. It's very liberating, and I wish to continue on this path for I believe this is truly, living life. My wish is that you, too, let go of the past, and walk boldly through today and all the days to come. May this be your best year yet. I love you very much.