Forgiveness
Dear Frankie,
My family went to a new resort in the Bahamas last winter. Tommy, my four-year-old sibling, loves the beach. He likes nothing better than filling his buckets with water and digging in the sand.
The day the accident happened, my parents were sitting a few feet away from Tommy and watching him play. Suddenly a terrible odor swept across the beach. I looked over at my parents to see if they noticed, but they didn’t indicate they had. When the smell got stronger, I started barking. Tommy and my parents turned to see what I was yapping about, and that’s when the crocodile came up behind him and dragged him into the ocean.
My dad and mom immediately jumped into the water and did everything they could to stun the crocodile and pull Tommy away, but they were no match. Since then, my parents have kept asking if they will ever stop thinking about that day and be able to forgive themselves. Will they, Frankie?
Gina
Dear Gina,
They won’t forget that day, nor will you. But in years to come, chances are all of you won’t think about it as often, and it won’t be as emotionally raw as it has been.
Your parents’ grief for your brother’s loss is further intensified because they think they did something wrong. They feel they put their child in harm’s way, which is unforgivable. They certainly wouldn’t have made a reservation at a resort if they knew there were crocodiles in the area.
I don’t understand why the resort didn’t notify the guests that there was a slight chance that crocodiles might be nearby and warned them to stay away from the water’s edge. Also, why weren’t there any lifeguards scouting the water?
Your brother’s death was not your parent’s fault, Gina. I hope that with time and ongoing support from family, friends, and professionals, they will be able to come to that realization. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighborhood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online subscription, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.
•••
Click here to download the entire 8/25/22 issue: 08-25-22 MusicNight
Click here to download the Mattapoisett Fire Department Press Release from 8-22-22: MattapoisettFirePR
Click here to download the No-Trespass order against Wayne Oliveira: 2022.08.17 No Trespass- WOliveira
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
