Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- Forgiveness

"Forgive them, for they know not what they do". This biblical passage has resounded for centuries. Although it is not included in the Ten Commandments, forgiveness is one of the most important and yet difficult virtues for one to behold. There are threads of the concept throughout the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Rowdy is a best friend, yet is often abusive to Arnold both physically and mentally. Mean, derogatory words are exchanged between the young men, and somehow, in the end, after much adversity, jealousy, and vulgar moments, the two boys believe their  friendship will prevail.  Loyalty leads to forgiveness. A friendly game of basketball is played, yet no score is kept. In the end, the competition is over; they both manage to forgive one another and move forward. Another thread includes Mary, Arnold's sister, moving to Montana. She leaves the reservation, in search of a better life, only to discover that life married to a man who is a gambler is grim. She leaves Arnold, writes often, and never returns due to a tragic death. Arnold is beside himself, and tries to seek solace from his friend, Rowdy. In return, Rowdy makes Arnold feel even worse, saying it was all Arnold's fault. The guilt is paralyzing. He loved his sister Mary dearly. His grandmother, full of words of wisdom, also perished in a horrific accident; she was hit by a drunk Indian driver. In her last breath, she asked for people to forgive the man. Arnold's father spent all of his money on alcohol, except for five dollars, which he handed over to Arnold. He was redeemed in his son's eyes. Subtle, yet  a very eye-opening theme emerges throughout the book. Forgiveness is freeing, it ends the toxins that flow from the veins of those who harbor anger. Arnold is beaten down, over and over, but he is forgiving, and therefore resilient. His coach pushes him in a time of quandary to let go, and do his best. One can glean a great deal from Arnold's innate ability to forgive.