Comments on: What Do I Owe My Neglectful Parent? https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/ Tools for Radically Joyful Living Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:15:52 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Melissa Phillippe https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/#comment-23477 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:15:52 +0000 https://ohmygodlife.com/?p=19553#comment-23477 In reply to Paula Atlansky.

Hi Paula,
Thank you so much for this added insight. Yes, considering the childhood of the neglectful parent can be powerful indeed. And can definitely aid the healing process. Thank you so much for adding this!
BIG Love,
Melissa

]]> By: Paula Atlansky https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/#comment-23473 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:32:54 +0000 https://ohmygodlife.com/?p=19553#comment-23473 Yes, what an important topic that isn’t often addressed when a parent passes away. I’m grateful for all that has been shared.

One practice that has been helpful for me is to consider the childhood of the person who has been neglectful, absent, or abusive. If you know anyone who knew the person in younger years and are open to hearing stories about them, it can be insightful and helpful in understanding the whole person, rather than just the role that person played in your individual life. Of course, it doesn’t excuse or absolve what happened to you, but it can aid, and perhaps even soften, the healing process.

]]> By: Melissa Phillippe https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/#comment-23471 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:33:18 +0000 https://ohmygodlife.com/?p=19553#comment-23471 In reply to Peter Rolita.

Hi Peter,
I think there are lots of non-Waltons among us. How beautiful that you were able to be there with both parents at the end and that you were able to take that opportunity to be a place of love.
BIG Love,
Melissa

]]> By: Peter Rolita https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/#comment-23468 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:56:37 +0000 https://ohmygodlife.com/?p=19553#comment-23468 Add my name to the list that didn’t grow up on Walton’s mountain. I was at the bedside for the end with both parents. I’m glad I stepped up when the opportunity materialized.

]]> By: Melissa Phillippe https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/#comment-23442 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:18:26 +0000 https://ohmygodlife.com/?p=19553#comment-23442 In reply to Marina Anderson.

Wow, Marina!
Beautiful! Thank you for your sweet additions!
I remember when my own mother passed. The mom she had never been was the biggest thing I noticed I was grieving.
Wise and beautiful ideas here. Thank you so much for all you are!

]]> By: Marina Anderson https://ohmygodlife.com/what-do-i-owe-my-neglectful-parent/#comment-23438 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:05:04 +0000 https://ohmygodlife.com/?p=19553#comment-23438 Beautiful and thorough answer, Melissa. My heart goes out to the writer. I have a couple things to contribute… I hope they are so received.

First, I encourage you to acknowledge the grief. Mourning the mother that she wasn’t, could have been but wasn’t, never will be now. I’m sure there’s been grief, anger, disappointment all along the way and… it is probably now looming large and wanting to be seen and heard within you.

Then, if you decide to create the event, it doesn’t have to look any particular way. It can look like you need it to. It doesn’t need to cost a lot. It can be simple and outside of someone else’s vision. If it’s not what her friends need, they too can plan a celebration that fulfills their needs. (We did that for a friend recently and it was so satisfying and connecting.)

I love the thoughts about celebrating the woman who’s body brought you life, brought you to the planet in this exact space and time. May whatever you do… think, contemplate… bring you healing, peace and ease as you continue to walk your own glorious path.

Blessings to all.

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