defending..

A few weeks ago, at a public function,

I found myself, for the first time, defending

my baby girls' way of life.

Not only her way of life but defending all gays

and their rights, to be accepted, to be acknowledged.

HOBL and I were sitting down, conversing with

another couple, when the wife began to

speak of someone who she knew who was gay

and raising a family.

Right away I spoke up and let her know,

"My daughter is gay"

I said it loudly, I said it proudly, I did not hesitate.

She, right away, apologized if she had offended me

in any way. She had not and I told her so.

Explained, I wanted her to know before she did say

something that she may regret after the fact.

She is a very educated woman as is her husband.

She never did offend me even when she spoke openly

about how she was not sure how she would feel if

one of her children were homosexual.

Her husband, however, seemed offended by her

as he made the comment,

"You know, the way I love my children right now,

I know that I would be very accepting, I love

them unconditionally, those are our children"

I could tell this married couple had never discussed

this issue in reference to their own children.

I shared with them a statement my daughter made

to us when she told us she was gay.

She knew we would be accepting, loving,

but she said,

"You know mom, so many parents say they love their

children unconditionally but really they don't"

Her statement way back when is what had me

speak up right away to this couple with

much confidence. You see, because I do love

she and her brother unconditionally.

I am accepting of any relationship she is in

as long as it is a healthy, loving relationship

free from drugs and abuse.

She is my child and as I told BB not long ago

when he tried to explain to me how much he loves the Bean,

"I know how much you love her, because I still love you and

your sister that way, it never changes, it never goes away"

Such a proud mother.... very, very proud!