“Sweetie, I’m so happy that you are being honest with yourself and that you’re happy. I have to say that I am a little confused about what that is. Do you mind filling me in?” She chuckles and I smile looking down at my shoes. I’m going to do this. No more lying.

            “Mom, I’m gay.” I blurted it out before I lost my nerve and just stared down at my shoes. I need to go get new ones, these are a little old. Wait. Why am I sitting here thinking about the fact that I need new shoes? I should be getting yelled at and told how disgusting I am. I wasn’t expecting this. Silence. She isn’t saying a word. I look at her and she is just sitting there staring at me. “Mom, I’m still the same daughter I’ve always been and I’m still the same person. I’m just more honest now. Please don’t hate me. I love you mom.” I’m about to freak out, she still hasn’t said a word and I don’t know what to say next until I know how she’s going to react. Wait, she just blinked and now her mouth is opening. She is going to say something.

            “Spence, I could never hate you. I must say I’m a little shocked by what you just told me but you are still my little girl and I will always love and support you no matter what. I’m so glad that you trusted me with this sweetie. It is such a big thing and I’m glad you shared it with me. I’m here for you whenever you need me. I know this is hard for you and that there are people out there that are very cruel so whenever you need someone to talk to I’m here.” Now I’m the one sitting here staring at her. My mouth is slightly open and I am in complete shock. I pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming.

            “Ouch” Not dreaming. My mom pushes my mouth shut and starts laughing at me.

            “Why did you just pinch yourself?”

            “I had to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.” She chuckles some more and just shakes her head at me. “Are you sure you don’t want to scream and yell at me and then kick me out of the house?”