In this clip, my mom, 101 year-old MILDRED—who many of you now know and love—openly admits she was mean to me. She even used to refer to herself as “Mommie Dearest.”
It wasn’t easy growing up with her. I was the scapegoat, constantly criticized—not just by her, but by my two brothers as well.
And yet… I chose to forgive.
When I hit middle age, I realized I couldn’t live in emotional pain anymore. I did the deep work of forgiveness—not for her, not for them, but for me.
That choice changed everything.
We’ve now had nearly 20 beautiful years together. I’m her caregiver. And what once felt impossible has become one of the most meaningful relationships of my life.
This story is told in my film LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! and even more deeply in my upcoming memoir BULLIED TO BESTIES: A Daughter’s Journey to Forgiveness.
🌀 Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation. I did—but it’s not required. The freedom comes from within.
📚 MILDRED’S MINDSET: Wisdom from a Woman Centenarian is available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and other platforms in all formats including Audible and large print.
🎬 Watch LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER!
📖 Sign up to be first to know about my memoir, BULLIED TO BESTIES: A Daughter’s Journey to Forgiveness.
Gayle Kirschenbaum is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, photographer, writer, coach, and speaker. Her film LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! premiered on Netflix and has been credited with transforming lives. Her TED talk is “No More Drama with Mama.” Gayle co-authored Mildred's Mindset: Wisdom from a Woman Centenarian with her mother, centenarian influencer Mildred Kirschenbaum. Gayle's upcoming memoir is Bullied to Besties: A Daughter's Journey to Forgiveness.
To learn more visit GayleKirschenbaum.com.
Follow Gayle & Mildred on Instagram and TikTok @glkirschenbaum
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