Can you force forgiveness?

My father in law has been estranged from his adult children for the ped 15 yrs. or so. The reason being because he abused them as children (physically and mentally, plus was a control freak), then deserted the family; his wife and 6 children one day and just walked away from them all and nobody knew where he was for over a year. Then when the kids all grew up instead of trying to have a relationship with them and get to know his grandkids, he tried treating them all as "customers" in his sales business. He only showed up at family functions when he wanted to make sales, not as "Dad" or "Grandpa". Now, some years later he says he has realized the error of his ways, with the help of God and is calling them all, asking for forgiveness. He sent my husband a Christmas card and he had written inside of it, "Lets all have a miracle Christmas this year (something spiritual, a wonderful thing)." "People like me need to ask forgiveness of our children and our ex's. For years our family has been divided by a selfish Dad, husband and grandfather." "The Lord commands us to forgive so let's have a miracle Christmas this year and reach out to me in forgiveness!" I wonder if he realizes that you can't force forgiveness? He hurt these people for years and it's going to take more than a card in the mail and then instantly - BOOM, we love you Daddy and Grandpa. Doesn't work that way.