Do forgive and be forgiving

A memorial to my Dad. Ten years ago he died. For ten years before that we battled to relate to each other. Neither of us were forgiving of the past. The story is a web of dis-illusion and hurt and more hurt on both sides. We continued to hurt each other in our state of unforgiveness. A dark veil hung over my attitude of life. On the surface the family life was looking fine for awhile. A weak foundation will crumble under pressure sooner or later. It did.
Our relationship ends at his bedside where I asked for his forgiveness. He could not move or speak. I spoke to him anyway. I forgave him the hurts of the past. God commands us to forgive. He does not suggest or say work on it or try your best.
Mark 11:25
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any"
We make the decision to forgive out of faith not feeling. To live in unforgiveness comes out of fear. Fear of being hurt again.
The veil of darkness lifted. More and more I remember my father as a whole but imperfect human being. All his strengths and weaknesses and frailties. As God made him. Choose to ask for forgiveness while the person lives. Don't wait for a better time or day. It may not come!