How to respond to msg from abusive stepmother
Growing up, my stepmother was physically and emotionally abusive towards me and my other siblings. Our relationship has been on and off, as I have grown older, healed more, and started looking at the abusive through a lens of grace and empathy. I have kept my relationship with my stepmom and father further than arms length since I moved out when I was 18, and there has not been much change in my step mothers behaviors so I hear from my siblings that have more communication than we do. I've gone years at a time without speaking to her and my father to protect my peace.
Looking through the lens of grace, I've taken into consideration that having 3 kids unexpectedly dumped on your doorstep and taking them in because those are your husband's children. But the unexpected financial burden it came with, the emotional toll, the way she was raised, and the cycle being so hard to break. I've thought of these things which my heart feels empathy for, there were times and giis memories as a child but the abuse was so deeply cut, knowing she hasn't grown much out of her old habits has kept me from trying to really build that relationship to continue protecting my peace, my heart and my mental stability.
Today, I texted her for Mother's Day, and she sent me a picture note. This is what the picture note said:
***One day if you look back and wonder what kind of mother I was... I hope you remember this: I loved you, even in moments I was overwhelmed. I'm sorry for the times my stress sounded harsher than my heart. I'm sorry if my tiredness ever made you feel unseen, or if my mistakes ever made you question your worth. There were days where I felt like I was failing, while still trying to hold everything together. But please know this... Even in my imperfect moments, my love for you never became less. And I pray you never allow my flaws to silence the beautiful light inside of you.***
And I'm unsure of what to say in response. Any advice would be nice!