The Gift

Today I was given a gift. It was the gift of forgiveness. Let me explain. I pulled into a parking lot and parked the car. I had an elderly passenger with me and I told her to be very careful opening the car door because it was a windy day and I didn't want the car door slamming into the car parked next to me. She was careful but it was me who made the mistake. A gust of wind caught the door and slammed it into the next car. I was sick. I saw that I had put a small dent in the rear quarter panel. It was small but very noticeable. I felt terrible. At that moment two people were approaching the car and I thought I would explain what happened. They, however, got into a different car. I admit I was relieved. Conflicted and relieved. Disappointed with myself for feeling relieved. I went into the store with my friend and when we came out I thought the dented car was gone but it was still there. Again, I think I was hoping I wouldn't have to admit my wrongdoing. My passenger got into the car but I just stood there and thought about what to do. Should I leave a note? Just then a woman approached the car and I deduced the car was hers. I was very nervous and on the verge of tears but I spoke with this woman and admitted that I had dented her car when the door blew open. She noticed there were two scrapes but I opened my car door and showed her where my car door made contact with her car. She acknowledged that she must have gotten hit twice that day. I felt horrible for her and, yes, very apprehensive at the same time. I asked her how she would like to handle this. She thought about it and decided to let it go. It was a leased car and she was going to take it in and have some other work done on it. I told her I was so sorry and she forgave me. She told me it was admirable that I admitted to the dent. I didn't think so. I was just trying to do the right thing. I thanked her and we both left. I went about my day. But I have been thinking about this all day. I could have left the parking lot without saying anything. But I would have suffered. My conscience would be bothering me. I wanted to do the right thing. I knew it could cost me monetarily but I was willing to make this situation right. She was satisfied with my remorse and my apology. She gave me a gift. She forgave me.