Understanding the underlying reasons for a parent's behavior is the essential key to finding forgiveness.

“I think to your point too that is it is the key and it was the key for me”

Brianna reflects on the profound impact of her mother's illness and death, noting how it forced her into a caregiving role for her younger brother at a very young age.

“I think that because she was even sick the fact that she was sick beforehand and with my father working a lot I had to take on a lot of responsibility and taking care of even my younger brother”

Lilian Garcia advocates for using the memory of deceased loved ones to celebrate holidays with even more joy and intention.

“my dad passing on Christmas day I was able to tell people that have lost loved ones over the holidays use this as an opportunity to celebrate it even bigger”

A father who is absent due to suicide or abandonment leaves a wound that creates a sense of shame and unworthiness in the child.

“I really just kind of went through life from that point on just lost didn't have that father walking alongside me showing me telling me what it looked like to be a man and a good son”