A Cup

There are a few compensations for the inconvenience of old age.

Granted they are few and far between and do not eliminate the myriad aches and pains of longevity

However, surprises are rare when you cross the inevitable line of demarcation labeling you as “old.”

And yet today, I find myself surprised, and more than a mite shocked,

I cannot comprehend the ongoing campaign by a reputable newspaper to continually endorse abandoning birth parents.

Initially, I thought it was an occasional published approval.

Now however, with today’s publication of a lengthy article and an additional endorsement by Eamon Dolan, the author of “The Power Of Parting; Finding Peace And Freedom Thru Family Estrangement,” I realize I was wrong,

The esteemed author’s lengthy description encouraging others to abandon toxic parents is only one of several recent NYT published opinions on the same subject.

I would never dare to disagree with the famed Gray Lady of print, but I find this not a news item, but rather one of revenge.

I never knew a perfect parent, nor have I been or known a perfect child.

I do know, as the aged parent of a lost sheep, I pray nightly for the gift of saying goodbye to my beloved estranged son before I ,too, am called to board the ferry.

I yearn with desperation not only to be forgiven but to gift him with my forgiveness for the years of abandonment without explanation or vocal dispute.

If revenge is nurtured, peace cannot prevail. I frankly doubt if the esteemed and well respected author wears a coat of perfection or has never knowingly or unknowingly caused another’s pain.

I wish him well, but I dare to wonder if he recalls another famed quote:

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”