I understand forgiveness is a big step in healing but I'm just not sure how to make that step
@Vick14 -- You broach a difficult and delicate topic (for me). I've had continuing difficulties forgiving the health practitioners at the ER who never cautioned me about the potentially catastrophic effects of taking the anti-nausea medication they gave me--which gave me severe tinnitus and a host of other ongoing neurological problems. Plus their indifference and unwillingness to believe what I experienced afterwards. Plus their anger at
me for even suggesting the medication caused any of my problems. (I recently discovered they no longer make this drug available to the ER practitioners, which makes it look like they actually did believe me.)
I continue to struggle with whether I should try to sue them for negligence, and somehow reclaim some kind of semblance of control over my tinnitus/hyperacusis situation. -- I struggled with (partially) blaming my wife for insisting I go to the ER, even though I didn't really want to, as I felt my GI pains and accompanying nausea would subside on their own. But I probably blame myself more than anyone else for having made a decision to take a medication before doing extensive research on the potential side effects. (They told me at the ER it might cause some drowsiness, but never told me it could cause tinnitus, extreme agitation, psychotic episodes, extreme muscle twitching, shaking, trembling, etc.)
So here I am, still struggling with the whole concept of forgiveness, but not nearly as much as in the beginning. I often recall my mother in her final years dealing with dementia. It was very frustrating for her, but so often she would catch herself while complaining, and just say, "It is what it is". And then she'd be done with it--at least for a while. -- I also think of others who've had terrible things happen to them--such as having somebody else be responsible for the death of a loved one--and yet they find it within themselves to forgive the perpetrators of their intense pain.
It seems those who are able to forgive have one thing in common. They've come to the conclusion that holding onto anger or hate for the most part only hurts themselves. I agree with that on some level, but still find myself unable to fully let go. I sometimes feel I'm in a quandary, where I feel I should be compensated for my injuries. But when I think about going back and reviewing the doctors communications who reviewed my case, where they expressed such cold indifference and anger at me; well, it just starts to get me riled up again. So, should I put myself through all that again, or just accept the situation of overwhelming reactive tinnitus/hyperacusis and move forward with as much peace and calm as I can muster?
I don't think any of this reflects some kind of clear answer. But maybe some of my ramblings/musings will be helpful. --
@Vicki14, I've noticed how much you've suffered and continue to suffer. I hope you can in some way find a sense of peace and calm we all seem to be striving for. --
Warmly... Lane