turn over a new leaf

So today I was moderating a session between Republicans and Loyalists in Belfast. Sworn enemies at one time, now engaged in an attempt to better understand one another as people. There were about 50 there many with odd given nicknames "Spike", "Winky" and "Bimbo" to mention a few. Names given in perhaps an attempt to anonymise the character. Some have spent time in prison - one over 20 years. There were some jokes, our well know black humour,  - like the vertically challenged loyalist who was arrested on a small arms charge!
In the end, after two hours of sometimes heavy engagement, I feel we had achieved some further humanisation in the long road to peace and reconciliation.
We all have a past and we can't change that. We can, however, ensure our future includes "theirs".