I hear what you’re saying and I don’t disagree, in theory. There are a lot of stories about Uncle Bob that you don’t know. I agree that his intentions were not to do harm, but I doubt that he considered giving me good advice either. Whether it was a result of how he was raised or the hardships he faced throughout his life, either way he wasn’t exactly what any in the family would call a nice man. He lied a lot. He cheated people on a regular basis. Bob was forgiven many times by many people for many things. Dad sent me in his direction because Bob really did have experience working with such things and should have been able to give me good advice.

I suppose on some level I did forgive him. A couple of years after this incident a tornado went through the town where Uncle Bob lived. I was genuinely worried for his safety that night and waited by the phone to hear the news that the tornado had missed him.

So maybe I forgave, but didn’t forget. That’s the tricky part. Forgiving someone, but not forgetting the lesson that comes along with the incident. Perhaps that’s the more important take away, for me anyway. Sometimes I truly need to remember that I can trust my instincts and stand up for myself.

As always, thank you for your analysis of the story. Your advice is much appreciated. I will try to remember there’s always more to one’s actions than what is seen on the surface and I will endeavor to forgive more quickly in the future.