Ok- so let me get this straight... If I come from an abusive childhood and as an adult not knowing any better chose a partner that treats me the same as my upbringing.... then because of all this dysfunction... I numb myself with alcohol then find myself behind the wheel where I go off the road into a child- who doesn't survive- then I'm exempt from any need to ask for forgiveness because I couldn't help it?? I didn't "intentionally" hurt anyone so I don't need to ask for forgiveness!! " LIfe just happens" -- sounds kind of arrogant don't you think?? What about the parents left behind without their child--- don't think they would see it that way. ( this example is fictional- BTW)

What about the parent that abuses because they were in-turn abused? Looking at what we've done wrong be it intentional or not--- helps us to grow emotionally!

Validating others pain whether the hurt was intentional or not is a very compassionate thing to do- we usually validate them by asking for forgivenenss. I think this also applies to one's self!! Forgiving oneself it just as important as forgiving others-- I believe.

Sky, seems like there is a fine line here- between when to need/ask for forgiveness and when not. It's seems kind of blurry to me!! Confusing! My head is spinning! Think I'll stop and gather myself..........

Mandy