What does it mean to...
Illustration
What does it mean to be reconciled?
Margaret was the oldest of eight children. By the time the youngest, John, was born, she was married and had one child of her own. Then the Depression hit. Thankfully, Margaret and her family lived on a farm. Although money was tight, there was always food to spare. That's why, when her father lost his job, she offered to help out by having John move out from the city to live with them.
From that time on, a special bond was formed between them, a bond that was abruptly severed 15 years later. For over 20 years they were separated by anger that had grown cold, and by pain that was festering. The rest of the family watched and waited -- hoping and praying that something would happen to bring these two back together. That was why, when a favorite niece was married and a family shower was being planned, everyone decided to invite both of them.
When John walked in, Margaret was sitting in a chair. The room was quiet. John and Margaret had a clear view of each other. She stood up. He froze. They both started toward each other at the same time. When they met, they stopped and just looked at each other. Tears were rolling down their cheeks. No words were needed. The tears said it all. The hug that followed spoke of hurt remembered, forgiveness granted and the healing power of reconciliation beginning to work.
-- Conroy
Margaret was the oldest of eight children. By the time the youngest, John, was born, she was married and had one child of her own. Then the Depression hit. Thankfully, Margaret and her family lived on a farm. Although money was tight, there was always food to spare. That's why, when her father lost his job, she offered to help out by having John move out from the city to live with them.
From that time on, a special bond was formed between them, a bond that was abruptly severed 15 years later. For over 20 years they were separated by anger that had grown cold, and by pain that was festering. The rest of the family watched and waited -- hoping and praying that something would happen to bring these two back together. That was why, when a favorite niece was married and a family shower was being planned, everyone decided to invite both of them.
When John walked in, Margaret was sitting in a chair. The room was quiet. John and Margaret had a clear view of each other. She stood up. He froze. They both started toward each other at the same time. When they met, they stopped and just looked at each other. Tears were rolling down their cheeks. No words were needed. The tears said it all. The hug that followed spoke of hurt remembered, forgiveness granted and the healing power of reconciliation beginning to work.
-- Conroy
