my dad is downsizing, and moving out of the house where I grew up. While going through his house, my dad came across this.

I made it in kindergarten, so it’s at least 50 years old.

the burn on the left came from my mom many years later: she thought I made this for my stepmother, so passive aggressively had an “accident” with it on the stove. she had already destroyed my sister‘s plate a few years earlier.

I honestly thought the damage was much worse, and it was lost forever – it makes me unbelievably happy to have found it.

I do remember saving it from getting completely ruined, and the embarrassment my mom felt when I informed her that this plate was made for her years before my parents divorced.

that week was a big turning point in our relationship. She finally understood the damage her actions caused her kids during that rough period in our lives, as she and I discussed it at length, for days. I don’t think any of my siblings had the deep conversations with her that I had at that time.

I remember a lot of sour words, but ultimately, she ended up with a stronger relationship with all her children afterwards, and especially her grandchildren. she was truly repentant, and when she passed, I think she did so gracefully, and surrounded by those she loved.

as I reflect on this, it reinforces in me the notion that is never too late to change, adapt, and learn.

Of course, not everybody can be saved. the trick is in knowing Who can be saved, and how to reach them. the peace between my mother and I came completely by accident, and I don’t know that I could repeat it.

what I do know is that somebody who is unwilling to admit that they have made mistakes, that they have done wrong, cannot be redeemed.

finding this plate, and having these thoughts, will change the way I interact with various people.

who knew that finding something from your childhood could have such an impact?