If you think back to the last time Oliver and Shane interacted, he made it clear that there were things in his marriage that he could have done, but didn't. Shane said it was because Oliver was hurt and it froze him up, suggesting his harbored unforgiveness was making it difficult for Oliver to know what his next steps should be. I think between Holly apologizing and making her wishes known in the poem that Oliver's forgiveness process initiated, and that allowed him to begin thinking about what should come next. It also gave him the clarity of mind and purpose to forgive himself as well, for all the things he didn't do before. |
I won't lie, I kind of ignored the "why" behind the kiss in favor of analyzing the moment's part in the larger story in yesterday's post. But folks like Amy, Judy and others on Facebook, in the Twitter-sphere, and even in the comments of the Mailbox Grille article are still asking the all-important question of "Why?"
So, why did Oliver kiss Holly? I think it's because Oliver purposed to finish his marriage with Holly well.
For both parties, it removed all possible doubt at what they should do next, even if that was ultimately parting ways. It ensured neither of them had any regrets about how things were left between them. It was probably the most loving and powerful thing Oliver and Holly could do for each other in that moment, and it certainly took a lot of courage on both their parts.
Thanks for continuing to ask this question, Postables. I suddenly have infinitely more respect for these two now that I've worked through the "why."
So those are my thoughts on the kiss. What are yours? Share them in the comments!
Much Postable Love as Always,
~C