Two older men were sharing some late-night coffee. One fellow had a guide dog with him, and his companion was legally blind in his left eye. Neither man let their blindness hinder them. For now, the two old war veterans were calmly enjoying coffee with a slice of cherry pie. The barista had even given the guide dog a treat with her owner's okay. So after they'd taken a few sips, they began speaking.

"So, Hudson, have you given any thought to coming to the veterans' reunion next week?" his friend Jeffery asked before taking a bite of pie. Hudson's actual name was Edward Rockford.

He'd acquired the nickname "Hudson" after slipping into the river as a child. But, of course, there was a much more hilarious story attached to it. But that wasn't here or there.

"I've been considering it, Jeffery. Still, reunions generally aren't amusing. It'd be nice to meet the rest of our old comrades. Nevertheless, I'm not sure how I feel regarding it."

"Is this because of that ridiculous war in Ukraine? I know many of the old crowd are resentful that we can't do more to support them. Still, we're attempting to circumvent another world war. Yet, Putin isn't giving the world much choice. How do numerous sociopaths get into positions of power?" Jeffery shook his head sadly.

Hudson looked even older at that moment. He stirred his coffee absentmindedly before responding. "We're also approaching the twenty-first anniversary of 9-11. Every day we're all reminded that the Towers are gone. How that one tragic day changed the following twenty years."

His best friend nodded before replying sadly. 'There is so much hatred in the world. Too much bloodshed and people are divided. We need to stand united in these troublesome times. But right now? It doesn't look like that is going to happen."

"We've both witnessed hell on earth in battle, yet to witness it in your own nation? It's a disgrace that our beloved America is on the verge of a second civil war. Again, too much hatred, falsehoods, and people have regressed to thinking we thought we abolished," Hudson sounded defeated as he said that.

"It's been practical for my career as a novelist, as real life writes the plot. Yet who knew the earth would ever evolve into this brutal reality? Only a few years ago, it would've been only a work of fiction. Now its our day-to-day life!"

"People used to look to America as a beacon of hope. However? Now the planet only views us as laughing stocks. A shattered nation that has permanently tarnished its honor. How can we ever possibly earn the world's forgiveness?

How can Americans ever honestly forgive themselves for what we've become? We're no longer the United States. Instead, we should be renamed the Divided States." Hudson couldn't keep the disgust out of his voice.

"It almost makes me glad I'm now physically blind. Yet, I'm not blinded to the truth. Unfortunately, half this country is blind to the truth of what's happening."

"I merely hope this doesn't mean we're approaching Armageddon. Then, anyone with any common sense would know humans would due themselves in. Except I didn't think I lived to see it."

"Neither did I, Hudson. However, here we are," Jeffery spread his arms wide. "This is our world now. We can only pray the dear Lord has a plan in mind to rescue the souls of this crumbling world."

"Yes, let's hope He does. He's the only one who can save us now. But, come, it's quite late, and the cafe will close shortly. We need to catch a taxi home."

"Agreed."

"Everyone has some guilt and regret in their lives. And while its hard to gain others' forgiveness for these mistakes, the real challenge is forgiving ourselves.

If you feel genuine remorse for yourself? Then you'll be able to forgive yourself and let it go. Don't punish yourself for your past mistakes.

No mistake is ever too great to be rectified! So please forgive yourself; by doing so, you'll set yourself free.

Please don't dwell on the past. Instead, learn from it, let it go, and embrace a better future!