Genuine forgiveness takes courage

John's stepfather always hated him. Whenever his mom was absent in the house and John was alone, his stepfather showed his true face. One afternoon his mom went in grocery and then he came to him. He called him a loser and said to look at himself. His stepfather said that he was lucky that he loved his mother.

John was only 5 years old then and it was too much for him to tolerate. He just sat in a corner and cried alone. Because he could do nothing. It seemed like his mom really loved the man.

One day she returned home and saw John crying at one corner of the room. She got tensed and asked him why he was crying. He told her mom that her husband was calling his names again. Little John wanted to share everything that happened on that day.

But his mom said that his stepdad maybe is strict, but they had to be grateful to him because who knew where they had been if it weren't for him. She hugged her son and consoled him. He said that he loved his mommy. The mom also replied the same.

John's mom was the only light of his life. But when he turned 12, the light started to go out. John stood near her bed and cried out. His mom told him that she had very little time left. And she advised him to be strong. There was his stepfather, Joseph, too. She requested him to take care of her child. She added that he was John's only family. Joseph promised her to take care of his stepson.

After the funeral, Joseph and John were left in the graveyard. John was very sad and so Joseph. But he didn't forget to show his true face. He told John that his mom was gone then and he would be living by his rules. The little boy became afraid, but he had no option.

Since then he had to get up early in the morning. He had to clean the whole house every day. Then he had to wash dishes and make breakfast. For the rest of the day, he had to do other works that were too tough for him. Yet he was punished severely even for the smallest missteps.

One day he was washing dishes and then a cup was broken. He was so afraid as his stepdad saw him breaking. He said that it was an accident. But he got angry and said that that was not a good excuse. Then he behaved with him so roughly.

Soon another misery came in the house. John's stepfather met a younger woman and married her. She came into the house and that day she noticed John. She asked irritatedly who that was. Joseph replied that he was his retarded nephew and forbade her to mind him.

However, John continued his life in the house. But soon the woman had a child with Joseph. That day he came to John and said that his child needed a room. So he wanted John to live in the cellar. He was upset but ha had no option but to accept it like every time.

From that night his life started in the cellar. He slept on an old mattress and used a candle to read while his stepfather and his new family enjoyed their life upstairs. He put his mother's photo near the candle who was his only companion.

That's how it was until he turned 16. That day Joseph packed his pieces of stuff and told him to get out of there. He said to him that he had kept the promise he had given to John's mom. He also said that he was an adult and he was on his own then. He didn't say any words and left the house forever.

He had to take up any jobs and in the first month, he had no money or place to sleep. So, he had to live on the street. The life there was horrible, sometimes even worse than that cellar. His life was so hard but he didn't give up.

He promised his mom to be strong and never give up. Many years passed and then his life was back on track. He continued his studies and worked too. And it resulted in a good position job in a renowned company. He was paid a handsome salary and his life began to decent finally.

He found a girl who loved him madly. And he married her in 6 months. Soon after that, they wished to have a full life. They thought to have a baby. Thus he had a beloved wife and kids. He also owned a nice big house. And he almost forgot about his past.

But one call reminded him about it. He could hear from the other side, "Hi John, this is Joseph, your stepdad." He replied that he could recognize his voice.

It turned out that he had become seriously ill and needed lots of care. But his wife could not be bothered to take care of him and kicked him out saying, "You're old and sick! Why would I need you?" Joseph was used to be with it and left the home without any words.

Then he called John as he hoped he could take him in. John replied that he would go there for him soon. He ended the call and drove in his stepdad's direction. He took him to his house and said that this was his house. Joseph said that it was very nice. John said that he would be living there from then. He also said to Joseph that that room was twice as big as the one he had to live in!

The old Joseph began to cry and said that "Son, I am so sorry. I treated you harshly and I deserve this. I would be happy to have just a corner in the storage room." John stopped him from talking the nonsense. He said that he had prepared a room for him upstairs. He also said that his mom taught him love and forgiveness and Joseph had to thank her.

Everyone can hold a grudge, but genuine forgiveness takes courage.