Forever Loved

Pen a letter of support to 2SLGBTQ+ youth

Dear You,

I didn't know when I held your tiny body to mine that life would be unfair, unkind, a struggle or cruel. Not for you. Not for you. My world swirled in rainbows from the day you were mine, nothing else mattered other than you being happy.

I am sorry for the times I saw all the signs, you reaching out, my not knowing, just loving you without any idea of how you really felt.

The early years when you wanted the Santa skirt, not the bearded mask, the pink bowl, the tiny purse with a small stuffed doggie, I didn't judge. I didn't guess. I just loved you for you. still do, still do.

Your friends were playing soccer, changing clothes in the locker room, showering together and you hid. I got called over and over to reprimand you about your reluctance to join the flock of other "boys".

I understand now. I can't undo time, yet I hope YOU know, my love is greater than ever, for YOU, sweet child, shy teen, withdrawn young adult have been stronger than I will ever have to be, just to walk down the street, wake each morning in a foreign body, to wait in cues for tests, counsel, therapists, doctors and then face the ultimate fissure from relatives who can't conceptualise your journey.

I ask you not to deny your pain, for it is real and understood by me, other mothers and parents and wonderful people whom you haven't yet met; they too, got lost in their rejection along the way.~

It's not about pulling up your boot straps and getting over it all; it really is a scar to bare when loved ones fade away. With that said, I can say a million times over, those who stay, hold onto. Let them "in", let them hear you shout, cry, burst with joy and let them see all of who you are.

I wish to buy the first pink sleep shirt, the cute ear muffs and support your soul as it flies, just promise to yourself, that you will lift off, take part in this life and world which you have every right to be part of.

I am not everyone's mother, sister, grandmother, parent. I get that I am not real to you. Yet YOU are very alive and real to me. I can not hold the hands of millions, YES, millions, but I can hold your dreams as I hold my own. With PRIDE,

LOVE~ LOVE~ LOVE