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DEAR ABBY: A poem of forgiveness continues to resonate

DEAR ABBY: While doing some house cleaning, I came across a column of yours that I had clipped and tucked away. On one of the pages I had dog-eared was the poem, “Decide to Forgive.” I was struck by how timely it is. The message is much needed at this time. I believe in “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Please reprint the poem because, to me, it’s a treasure. — JOANNE IN DELAWARE  Read More 

DEAR ABBY: While doing some house cleaning, I came across a column of yours that I had clipped and tucked away. On one of the pages I had dog-eared was the poem, “Decide to Forgive.” I was struck by how timely it is. The message is much needed at this time. I believe in “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Please reprint the poem because, to me, it’s a treasure. — JOANNE IN DELAWARE 

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DEAR JOANNE: I agree the poem is a treasure. It was written by a former assistant United Nations secretary-general who passed away in 2010 at the age of 87. His words are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. The poem is part of a collection of letters, poems and essays in my booklet titled Keepers, which can be ordered by sending your name and address plus a cheque or money order (U.S funds) for $8 to Dear Abby Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.) 

DECIDE TO FORGIVE 

By Robert Muller 

Decide to forgive 

For resentment is negative 

Resentment is poisonous 

Resentment diminishes and devours the self. 

Be the first to forgive, 

To smile and to take the first step 

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And you will see happiness bloom 

On the face of your human brother or sister. 

Be always the first 

Do not wait for others to forgive 

For by forgiving 

You become the master of fate 

The fashioner of life 

A doer of miracles. 

To forgive is the highest, 

Most beautiful form of love. 

In return you will receive 

Untold peace and happiness. 

And here is the program for achieving a truly forgiving heart: 

SUNDAY: Forgive yourself. 

MONDAY: Forgive your family. 

TUESDAY: Forgive your friends and associates. 

WEDNESDAY: Forgive across economic lines within your own nation. 

THURSDAY: Forgive across cultural lines within your own nation. 

FRIDAY: Forgive across political lines within your own nation. 

SATURDAY: Forgive other nations. 

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Only the brave know how to forgive. A coward never forgives. 

It is not in his nature. 

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DEAR ABBY: I returned from an errand this morning, and my husband was across the street from our house wearing only a robe, naked underneath and talking to the wife of our neighbour. I’m fuming because I feel it was totally disrespectful to me as well as inappropriate, and he should have dressed himself first. What do you think? — MORTIFIED IN ARKANSAS 

DEAR MORTIFIED: I agree with you. If your husband was hanging out across the street talking with your neighbour’s wife, he should have had on a pair of shorts underneath his robe. 

— Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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