Happy Mother's Day!
I owe a debt of gratitude to my mom.
This past week has seen some interesting news in national media. The Vice President comes out in favor of same sex marriage. North Carolina overwhelmingly passes Amendment 1 which not only restates that same sex couples cannot get married, but anyone who is domestic partnered - their union is not recognized. President Obama comes out and says same sex couples should be able to get married.
I came out as lesbian 20 years ago this year, 19 years ago to my parents. I remember what my mom said (at least this is the dialogue I remember) - 'Mom You should see a therapist. Me - I have. Mom - You should see another therapist. Me - I have. Mom - I have a therapist I think you might want to see.' A few months after that Mom went to a PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meeting to better understand. She only went to one meeting, she knew in her heart (as did my dad) I was her kid and not any different from the day I came out to her.
She had grown up Catholic - 12 years of Catholic school and learned Latin. When she married my dad, she switched to Presbyterian and then Lutheran. Never once did she think I was going to 'Hell' or that I was wrong or that I should not be able to marry the person I love. Mom always wanted us to be as happy as she and Dad. Not long after I came out, the minister of my folks church started preaching about homosexuality being wrong. My parents left that church and went down the road to a Presbyterian church.
Mom has always had my back. We moved from the city to the suburbs when I was 11 and I struggled. She would come home early from work and let me lay down with my head or my feet in her lap and she would read me Lord of the Rings. When I would have difficulties with a boss or a co-worker, she would give me advice, or help me see the lighter side of the situation. She's always asked me about who I am dating, and if I am happy. All she has ever cared about is my safety and happiness.
Mom told me a few years back, she loves being a mom. She loved it especially when we were little and still does now. Maybe that's why she has these hallucinations of neighborhood kids who she feeds dinner. Or wants to make sure there's plenty of ice cream, so if they stop by they have a snack. We got your back Mom! Love ya lots - Happy Mother's Day!
Back at ya Voyageur.