Fiction is filled with stories of people avenging their parent's death, and to be honest, it's a pretty relatable concept. I think most people would want to seek justice and retribution if a parent was killed by someone else. Think how short-lived Batman's comic book adventures would have been if he'd just decided to forgive and forget. But one woman from Canada has decided to pursue an unconventional relationship with her father's killer - she hasn't just forgiven him for what he's done: she says she actually loves him.
In March, 1978, Ontario resident Margot Van Sluytman’s father Theodore was killed in an armed robbery. He was 40-years-old, and his daughter struggled to cope with his loss. That was until she connected with Glen Flett - the former felon responsible for shooting her father - over social media. Glen had been sentenced to life in prison for his part in the accidental murder, while Margot had become an award-winning writer. But after serving 15 years, a repentant and rehabilitated Glen was set free.
Glen attended a conference about restorative justice, and an audience member asked if he’d ever tried to contact his victim’s family. They did some research and passed on Margot's details to him, and Glen sent Margot an email in which he apologised wholeheartedly for his part in his daughter's death. Many people would have been disturbed and angered by such an act, but Margot found Glen's contrition endearing, and after forgiving him, they struck up a friendship.
Commenting on her friendship, Margot stated:
"To me, forgiveness is not a thing to be given. It’s a process. Before I embarked on this path, half of me was a void and full of nothingness, whereas now I have a friendship with the man who killed my father and that has helped put meaning back into my life. I love Glen and he loves me. There’s a kinship. I’ve even told him that my dad would’ve liked him. They were emails filled with humanity. His words helped to heal me, but after a while, the words weren’t enough and I knew I needed to look into his eyes."
She added:
"It was very powerful and cathartic. I had so many questions for him. I’d always wanted to know what my dad’s last words were but never asked over email. In that meeting, he’d told me that his dad didn’t swear or hit him. He just took Glen by the shoulders and said, ‘Give it up, son. It’s not worth it.’ I promised my dad his life wouldn’t be for nothing. I’ve honoured that by helping the man who killed him to make a difference. Our story shows how important it is not to make assumptions. Despite everything, we’re still good friends. It’s quite beautiful."
It's almost beautiful that Margot has managed to move on from her tragic loss, but personally, I don't think I would have the same reaction if I met the man who'd killed my own father - do you?
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