Forgiveness in Families Summary

“Forgiveness in Families” was a very deep touching story written by Alice Munro. It talked about the author’s mother who had gone unconscious on the bathroom floor when her brother, Cam, was supposed to take care of her due to she was vomiting before. His sister, Val, which was the author, had waited in the hospital hour and hour, waiting for the good news from the doctor. Although she didn’t expect her mom would survive. “They haven’t said anything to give me hope, Cam. She is dying.” (Munro 114). Cam didn’t come to visit her since she was sent to the hospital. After Val called him, he came with a bunch of people who were the co-priests. They prayed for their mother in the waiting room, and it turned out that a nurse expelled them. “I don’t know what you call working, but you’re not helping anybody. Now I’m asking you to clear out of here. Excuse me. I’m not asking. I’m telling.” (Munro 115). Val got a phone call from the doctor one day while she was sleeping. “The doctor said he had encouraging news. He said she was much better this morning.” (Munro 116). Val was amazed after she answered the phone. She couldn’t believe it. Haro said, “It’s the tension, I know. You build yourself up ready for something bad to happen and then when it doesn’t, it’s a queer feeling, you can’t feel good right away, it’s almost like a disappointment.” (Munro 116). Her mother got well, and she never sank back. “She was in the hospital three weeks and then she came home, and rested another three weeks…” (Munro 117). She told everyone about her son and his friends coming to the hospital. “Well, that boy of mine may not be much of a success at anything else but you have to admit he was a knack of saving lives.” (Munro 117).In the end her mom turned out to be okay and Val felt guilty for losing hope that night, while Cam tried. Val started to lose interest in his “work” and plans to get into accountancy. And Val told herself maybe she could change too, also Val quit the group after the ritual.

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