Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS WRITER.
Like a bolt of lightning
It came to me. Just now.
Listening to these women.
Their stories of hardship.
Violence, dysfunction, abuse.
The nature of the cycle.
It leads me to my grandfather,
Himself a victim; I suspect
Choosing to perpetuate.
To propagate.
How did I remain unscathed?
Who was my redeemer?
But now I see.
She is the reason.
She broke the cycle.
She chose my father.
In all his kindness.
Generosity. Tenderness.
He was her choice.
With whom to build a life.
She would not fall prey
Like her mother before her.
To extend the pain, hurt, oppression
She overcame it.
To afford me the freedom
With that one decision.
She did not protect her children
From the perils of her childhood
Served at the hand of her father.
No, she protected my children.
I wonder if she sees this?
Does she think of this?
Does she understand?
How different things may’ve been.
If not for her; my mother.