I’m a believer in the Rule of Three. Some people may refer to it as Karma, the Law of Three or the Golden Rule. And whatever you may call it, Rule of Three, or Karma, it’s a good rule to live by.
If you spend your whole life treating other people like shit, what do you expect in return? Do you really expect to live your later years happy and surrounded by those you love?
This is what’s happening to my Aunt. She spent the majority of her life inflicting pain deliberately on her children, her parents, and those around her. Quick with the insult, and happy in her belief that her actions were acceptable she felt no need to change despite the numerous confrontations she’s endured. Now that she’s older she finds she doesn’t have very many people to depend on. She’s seriously ill, and with the exception of one son who only comes to visit her to borrow money or the car, she’s alone. Her other children barely speak to her, and she’s slowly clueing in as to why.
And it’s sad that it’s taken the diagnosis and prognosis that she’s been given in order to provide this insight for her. Now, if only she would realize that “her angel” son she idolizes is really nothing more than a lying, attention seeking, con artist perhaps she could really make a difference with what time she has left. Her plans are to leave her estate to this one particular son. She has grandchildren who could benefit from a small inheritance. Or, if she didn’t want to do that, donate to the Canadian Cancer Society in the hopes that one day they’ll find a cure for her cancer.
Sadly, I don’t think she has enough time left to learn that lesson.
I have learned something while watching her go through the ordeal of the last year. I’m letting go of grudges, I’ll never purposefully hurt anyone, and I’ll be mindful to always respect those around me (not like I don’t already). I want my life to continue to be filled with the love of my family and friends.
