Ep. 24: Epilogue

Finding Forgiveness; a Family Fairy Tale

In the final episode of Finding Forgiveness - A Family Fairytale, Susan Gibson brings her journey full circle by writing a heartfelt letter to her mother, just as she did when the podcast began. This closing letter reflects on her and her mother's transformation as they worked to mend their relationship. Although their bond was never perfect—like many mother-daughter relationships—Susan chooses to focus on the precious moments they shared in the last years of her mother’s life. She acknowledges the unanswered questions but decides to let them rest, cherishing the peace they found together. As Susan signs off on this last episode, she shares a dream and talks about visiting her mother’s grave, leaving listeners with a powerful message about the importance of forgiveness. Susan doesn’t want the relationships and connections formed during this podcast to fade away, so she encourages her listeners to stay in touch, inviting them to share their stories of forgiveness.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Susan writes a closing letter to her mother: Hi, mom

• [1:46] Susan talks about transformation and unanswered questions

• [4:41] Susan discusses her mother and the time they forgive each other

• [7:27] Susan reveals she has been back to her mother’s grave, and she talks about a dream she had about the experience

• [10:48] Susan signs off on her last episode of Family Fairy Tale - Finding Forgiveness

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• It took work for Susan and her mother to mend their relationship. It was never perfect, but no mother-daughter relationship is without disagreements

• Susan still has unanswered questions, but she has decided to put them aside and remember the last years she and her mother spent together and the memories they made

• Susan does not want the relationships she has formed during this podcast to disappear, so she encourages listeners to email her. She would love to hear from you

QUOTES:

“Just as I opened my podcast a year ago with a letter to my mother, I'm closing in the same way. Perhaps you, too, would like to write a letter to someone you've forgiven or would like to forgive. It's always been my go-to when saying the words out loud feels frightening and final.” Susan Gibson

“Though this is the last episode of my podcast, Finding Forgiveness - A Family Fairy Tale, it's not the end of our time together. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at [e-mail]. Thank you for being with me and listening to my family fairy tale.” Susan Gibson

“What a year it’s been. I've been through a lot of deep exploration, exposing tender spots, and sharing closely held secrets, family secrets, your secrets, and my secrets. I've celebrated our family, our life together, and my life. I've explored my heroine's journey, with the backdrop of you and our ancestors, my friends and foes, my allies and ogres. I've learned so much more about myself. You know how I love transformation. Transformation of organizations, transformation of others, transformation of myself.” Susan Gibson

RESOURCES:

Susan Gibson - Email

ABOUT THE HOST:

Susan Gibson grew up in a small town in Northern Maine, the only surviving child of parents who married young and divorced young. From the influence of their shared experiences, Susan has learned two things that are core to who she is: the value of community and the power of having a voice.

Susan has spent her entire academic and professional career as a woman in tech. She started as a developer in the mid-80s and continues today as CEO of Temenos+Agility, a management consulting company she co-founded with her partner, Siraj Sirajuddin. Together, they help enterprises transform organizationally and personally to find a more meaningful way to deliver value to their customers.

Susan frequently contributes to the Women in Tech (WiT) Regatta and speaks worldwide at public and private events. She uses her voice to grow communities of women, mentors and allies in tech.

Susan has many lifelong pursuits - healthy eating, fitness, yoga and meditation, music, theater, opera, reading, movies, travel, family and friends. She is also rebuilding her family’s 110-year-old homestead in Northern Maine, a labor of love.