The Journey of Giving and Forgiving: A Mother's Perspective

Embracing the Blank Page of Life

We come to life with a white, blank page in the book of our existence. Our parents are the first to write on this page. We are born on Earth to give and to forgive. However, people often teach us different ways to survive. Sometimes, we learn to be ungrateful or unwilling to give or forgive. These feelings are not positive; they weigh heavily on our hearts and relationships.

As we navigate through life, we meet people who help us and others who cause us pain. It is crucial to overcome that pain and choose to give and forgive. Giving, whether to family members, friends, or even strangers, brings a wonderful sense of satisfaction. When you give, you feel like you truly belong on this Earth.

The Power of Connection

Imagine this: you decide to hold someone's hand, wipe away their tears, or lend a hand to help them cross the street. These small acts of kindness can make you feel like a good person. On the other hand, abandoning someone in need can leave you feeling small and helpless.

People make mistakes in life. The best approach is to return and try to fix what we have broken. If you choose to walk away without attempting to mend the situation, can you really look in the mirror and say, “At least I tried”?

When you reach out to those you love, and they turn away, it can be disheartening. But don’t let that discourage you. Keep trying. Offering your hand is a powerful act, especially towards someone who has hurt you.

A Mother's Heartbreak

One day, my children decided to walk away from my life, leaving me in shock. They believed they no longer needed their mum. It’s hard to accept that as an adult, you must stop seeing or living with your children. The reality is painful.

As my daughter approaches her 22nd birthday in September 2025, I find myself unable to wish her a happy birthday. I have no way to contact her. When I sent £100 to her bank account, it bounced back. I called my bank, only to be told that I needed to reach out to her directly. I hung up the phone in tears, feeling utterly helpless.

Her father does not encourage her to contact me. My son has even asked me to promise not to reach out to her. He believes it’s not in her best interest to see or speak to me. I once drove 180 miles just to try to see my children. It’s heartbreaking to think my daughter, now a young woman, has chosen to abandon her mother. She believes that speaking to me would not be good for her. After 25 years of marriage, her father has never suggested she call me. Life can be shocking, can’t it?

You might think that as you grow older, you will be surrounded by family and perhaps even raise grandchildren. But when a marriage breaks down and respect is lost, it can feel like there’s nothing you can do to improve the situation. Unless my daughter hears my voice or reads this story, she may never choose to reconnect with me. I am the woman who raised her for 20 years, yet she has decided that I hold no value in her life.

The Noble Role of a Mother

Being a mum is one of the most noble tasks a woman can undertake. If you don’t believe me, just ask any woman who longs to be a mother. My children are my life. Building their characters and encouraging them to make the right choices is vital for society. Teaching them that it’s okay to make mistakes and come back to fix them is one of the most powerful lessons we can impart.

So, let’s be strong and positive. As Mr. Obama famously said, “Yes we can.” I love the energy in that phrase. It fills me with hope, which is the true meaning of my name, “Amal.” In Arabic, it signifies hope and inspiration. After all, I am the great-granddaughter of Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt.

Finding Hope in the Journey

In this journey of life, we must remember that giving and forgiving are not just actions; they are lifelines. They connect us to one another, creating a tapestry of relationships that can withstand the tests of time. Even when faced with rejection, we must hold onto the belief that our efforts matter.

Life is a series of ups and downs, and it’s essential to navigate these with grace. We must embrace the lessons learned from our experiences, both good and bad. They shape us into who we are meant to be.

As we continue to grow and evolve, let’s strive to foster better communication and understanding within our families. Let’s be the ones who reach out, who extend our hands, and who choose to give and forgive. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

So, dear reader, as you reflect on your own journey, remember that it’s never too late to reconnect, to give, and to forgive. Let’s create a supportive community where we can share our stories and wisdom, helping each other navigate the complexities of family relationships. Together, we can foster a culture of understanding and love, ensuring that no one feels alone on this journey.