Parental celebration holidays can be warm and wonderful affairs for close, healthy families.  For many others they are at least somewhat complicated. For some they are altogether painful.  We did not all have the same experiences and days like today can put a harsh spotlight on those differences.  

I mentioned the other day that we had recently watched A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.  I knew it was about a reporter who Fred Rogers connected with and how that relationship changed this man.  I wasn't aware of the specifics, nor how timely this story would be. At one particularly compelling part of the film, as the man is describing his life and the very difficult relationship with his father, Fred says simply but clearly,

"Try to remember that your relationship with your father also helped to shape those parts. He helped you become what you are."

All the experiences of our lives, all the people who have played big or small roles – villain or hero, protagonist or antagonist – have shaped who we are today.  It all came together exactly as it did to make us, us.

This thought brings me some peace.