My son got a GameBoy Advance for Christmas from his grandparents. He loved it, and played it incessantly. But being 7 years old, he's not the most careful kid in the world. A couple weeks in, he misplaced it for a few days but we eventually found it.
Then, just over a week ago, it was stolen. He had been playing it with his friends at their house (a family we know and trust who live a few doors down). Apparently, another boy was also there. When Gage and the other boy were preparing to leave, Gage left the game by the door to run back and get his other things. He comes back and both boy and game were gone. Of course, boy denies having seen it, and we have no proof, and Gage is just out a game.
I was just outraged! I was mad that this kid would do such a thing, knowing that everyone would KNOW that he had to have done it. I was mad at his mother for being a bit short when Gage (and dh) went down and told her the situation and asked if he had "accidentally" picked up the game with his things (thereby giving him an out). But I talked to our kids about forgiveness and hoping the boy would have a change of heart (all the while not forgiving in MY heart, and knowing the game was gone for good).
Fast forward to today. The boy and his mother show up at our door. He had taken it, and was here to return it. Mom was tearfully apologetic. I feel like a schmuck. I cannot imagine what it must feel like on that side of the doorbell. I talked a good game about forgiveness but hadn't felt it in my heart. I will send them positive thoughts tonight...