When We Forgive

The hardest stories to tell are often the ones about forgiveness.

Forgiveness is often spoken about as if it were simple-a choice, a virtue, a single moment of grace. But anyone who has lived through mental health, addiction, trauma, abuse, or deep loss knows the truth: it is rarely simple.

When We Forgive is a collection of fifteen stories tracing the path between hurt and healing.

These stories reflect on what it means to forgive others, to forgive ourselves, and, in some cases, to face the weight of having caused harm-and the longing to be forgiven.

Written for those who feel forgiveness may be out of reach, this collection offers lived experiences not as answers, but as a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, change is possible.

All proceeds from this book support the Life to Paper Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals impacted by mental health and addiction experience the therapeutic power of storytelling.

Contributors:

Melanie Goldman

Dr. I. Michael Kaufmann

Lydia Knorr

Adam Kunder

Jacques V. Leroux

Dr. Erin Mantis

Sandra McQuade

Meg Nocero

Maya Noor

Susan Raphael

Kit Robison

Tabitha Rose

C.V. Shaw

Dr. Vera Tarman

Norm Trainor