In honor of OutFest 2007, I thought I would re-print my blog from last year around this time.
In the year since I've told my parents that I was gay and happily dating Deb, wonderful things have happened. It's such a cliché, but I feel more free and open and happy. My confidence has really soared. The rest of my family now knows, thanks to mom (yay, mom!) and are very sweet and supportive as well. I certainly can't expect anyone to like my lifestyle, but they all are respectful and gracious, which is more than I ever hoped for. Isn't it great when family surprises you like that?
Here are my impressions from last year, fresh from my coming out experience.
10/24/06
It's true, folks, the day I thought would never arrive-- finally has. I was home visiting the folks during a work break (or as I like to call that, unemployment) and there I was, sitting at the table with my mom, making small talk and thinking "Now is the time, just do it, do it now, do it now..." when my mother just came out and asked me about my relationship with Deb. We ended up talking for four hours about most everything and it was really, really good. I mean, there were tears and I wouldn't say that she's completely thrilled with having a gay daughter, but she was very clear about always loving me. I can't believe how luck I am.
These two years I've been the happiest I can remember in a long time. It's so wonderful to be in a relationship with someone who respects me and loves me for who I am, and who at the same time challenges me to be a better version of myself. But there was always something missing-- I had to keep this from my mom, who I was very close to. My mom and I drifted a bit apart, and that was hard for me. It's such a relief to be honest with her.
Last night I had a great phone conversation with my dad, in which he too expressed his love for me no matter what. "You'll always be my special girl, you'll always be my Sara Lou"-- those words are bringing tears to my eyes as I type. He also said that while he didn't have much experience with these things, he knew that he was "definitely straight"-- har! My dad is definitely straight! Well, my mind is set at ease...
The rest of the family may be a bigger challenge, maybe not. But who knows-- I find that with this issue, I am constantly surprised. But honestly, the only people I care about "knowing" are my wonderful parents. Everyone else is just gravy. So a big thank you to all of you for your love and support-- I feel like a weight has been lifted!
In the year since I've told my parents that I was gay and happily dating Deb, wonderful things have happened. It's such a cliché, but I feel more free and open and happy. My confidence has really soared. The rest of my family now knows, thanks to mom (yay, mom!) and are very sweet and supportive as well. I certainly can't expect anyone to like my lifestyle, but they all are respectful and gracious, which is more than I ever hoped for. Isn't it great when family surprises you like that?
Here are my impressions from last year, fresh from my coming out experience.
10/24/06
It's true, folks, the day I thought would never arrive-- finally has. I was home visiting the folks during a work break (or as I like to call that, unemployment) and there I was, sitting at the table with my mom, making small talk and thinking "Now is the time, just do it, do it now, do it now..." when my mother just came out and asked me about my relationship with Deb. We ended up talking for four hours about most everything and it was really, really good. I mean, there were tears and I wouldn't say that she's completely thrilled with having a gay daughter, but she was very clear about always loving me. I can't believe how luck I am.
These two years I've been the happiest I can remember in a long time. It's so wonderful to be in a relationship with someone who respects me and loves me for who I am, and who at the same time challenges me to be a better version of myself. But there was always something missing-- I had to keep this from my mom, who I was very close to. My mom and I drifted a bit apart, and that was hard for me. It's such a relief to be honest with her.
Last night I had a great phone conversation with my dad, in which he too expressed his love for me no matter what. "You'll always be my special girl, you'll always be my Sara Lou"-- those words are bringing tears to my eyes as I type. He also said that while he didn't have much experience with these things, he knew that he was "definitely straight"-- har! My dad is definitely straight! Well, my mind is set at ease...
The rest of the family may be a bigger challenge, maybe not. But who knows-- I find that with this issue, I am constantly surprised. But honestly, the only people I care about "knowing" are my wonderful parents. Everyone else is just gravy. So a big thank you to all of you for your love and support-- I feel like a weight has been lifted!
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1 comment:
that is so sweet of your dad!
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