I was just a girl of 14 when I met Gabriel. He wasn't much older and was struggling with growing up, like me. We became friends and had lots of fun together.

What came between us, I can't remember. There were harsh words and tears. I wanted to make things right, but didn't know how. The situation seemed too complex to sort out. Gabriel and I grew further apart.

Years passed, and we lost touch. Then in April 1998, mutual friends let me know that Gabriel was in a coma. He had fallen 30 meters (about 100 feet) while mountain climbing. My heart stopped. I knew in that instant that I would never see him again in this life. The doctors did what they could, but Gabriel died a few weeks later.

For some time afterwards I would lie awake at night, wishing I had resolved our differences. I was sure that any chance for that was now past. I wondered if he had forgiven me for the hurt I had caused him. I wondered if, when he looked down from Heaven, he could see and understand the pain in my heart.

Then one night I got the answer to my question. It wasn't a long or elaborate answer, but it was everything I needed to wash away the regret I felt. I distinctly heard a voice in my head--Gabriel's voice--say, I always considered you a friend! I knew all was forgiven. My heart was at peace.

I vowed then and there to never again end a day without making things right with those I may have hurt or offended, because I may never have another chance. Today may be my last opportunity in this life to show someone I care, to say "I love you" and make things right.

Andrea Clay is a full-time volunteer with The Family.

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"I [Jesus] say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:22-24).

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The difference between holding on to a hurt
Or releasing it with forgiveness
Is like the difference between laying your head down at night
On a pillow filled with thorns
Or a pillow filled with rose petals.
--Loren Fischer