He Will Deliver

God is good. I don't know how much of this I will be able to write about tonight but I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive and have been praying for me through this incredible journey. My mind is racing right now. I am trying to process so much and I cannot manage to stay focused on one image or thought before another one comes racing through my head. This is a heavy load. It will take me some time to work through all of these thoughts and feelings. I will try my best to describe the events of the last several hours but this may take me a few days. But please know that all is well. The visit was good. I think it took about an hour from the time we arrived before we actually got to see my mother. As we were waiting in the holding area just inside her segregated building, I saw the guards lead her into the visitation room. We made eye contact and she pointed at me. Moments later the guard arrived in our area and led us through another series of doors. She opened the door to the visitation room and my mother was waiting for us. I stood in front of my mother for the first time in 24 years. I hugged my mother for the first time in 24 years. She sobbed. She said, "I'm sorry son. I'm so sorry son." It was a very raw apology filled with raw emotion. She hugged my wife and we all proceeded to sit down at the table. The conversation came easily. I will be able to write more about our conversation in coming days but like I said, I am still processing all of this. We talked about my children, our family, friends, vacations, school, jobs, etc. We talked and we talked. There were moments of laughter. I really cannot say that we had any moments of awkward silence. It just didn't happen like that. The room was filled with conversation and stories and memories. We had very serious moments and tears would fill her eyes. I spoke very openly and honestly with her. Before I knew it, 3 hours had passed and the guard stopped by and gave us the 5 minute warning. My mother looked at me and said "I'm sorry. I know I can't change anything now but I just need to ask for your forgiveness." This was it. This was what God sent me here this day to do. I looked my mother in the eyes and told her that I forgive her. I told her it has been hard. It has hurt. She has missed so much. My father has missed so much. It has been a journey. I told her that I no longer have an angry bone in my body. God has taken away the anger. God has healed the pain. It has taken me 24 years but I FORGIVE HER.

Tags: Gaile Owens