Daily Reflections
Bob Brody never liked his mother-in-law, Antoinette “Nettie” Chirichella of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Though her negative view of life annoyed him, he never lost his temper with her over his 23 years of marriage with her daughter.
Then, something unexpected happened. Brody started listening, really listening, while Nettie reminisced about the challenges she had faced over her 78 years of life. These challenges included raising his future wife without a husband or much money. Brody apologized to Nettie for years of judging her harshly. He even came to look forward to her company. Unfortunately, she passed away soon after their reconciliation.
“Nettie has been gone for 12 years now, and I would give almost anything to get her back,” Brody told the New York Daily News. “We keep her cane on display in our living room, leaning against a dresser, as if to lend our family her support through eternity. If I ever forget how to feel grateful on Thanksgiving, she’s all the reminder I need.”
If there is repentance, you must forgive. (Luke 17:3)
Inspire us to make changes in our relationships, Jesus.
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