Chapter 21 - Diane’s apology to Grace
Grace was five by the time her therapist thought a direct apology could be useful.
Diane came to our home.
I remained nearby.
Ryan approved.
No Natalie.
Diane knelt.
“Grace, I need to tell you something.”
Grace held a stuffed rabbit.
“Okay.”
“I saw Aunt Natalie holding you when you wanted her to stop.”
Grace stared.
“I heard you crying.”
Diane’s voice shook.
“I should have come to you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was afraid of making Aunt Natalie more angry.”
Grace considered.
Then:
“You were the grandma.”
That sentence hit like a hammer.
“Yes.”
“Grandmas help.”
“Yes.”
“I was little.”
“I know.”
Diane started crying.
Grace looked uncomfortable.
I almost stepped in.
Then Diane wiped her face.
Good.
Her feelings were hers.
“I’m sorry.”
Grace said:
“Okay.”
Not:
I forgive you.
No pressure.
Then:
May you like
“Can we color?”
Children decide when adult moral proceedings are over.
