Re: a posting on a discussion forum about coming out to grandparents as opposed to other younger, more modern thinking relatives ...
I lost my mother's parents before I was 12. My Pop died in 1977 and I have only a handful of memories. My Nana passed away in 1981. I have no doubt that she would have accepted me and given me one of those delicate, loving hugs with her arthritic hands.
My Father's family live in New Zealand so we hardly ever had much contact with them. I last saw my grandparents 14 years ago when they visited us. My Grandmother died nearly two years ago without really knowing me. I think
that is sad.
I can understand the desire not to burden people with this issue, but on the flipside, why do we believe it is such a burden in the first place? Surely we are the ones carrying any burden ... and I think most of us agree that once you come out there is no longer any burden to speak of ... it is a freedom.
I can't sit in judgement - I don't have any plans to inform my grandfather, although if I ever make the trip to New Zealand, Rich will be with me and I will find a need to say something then. But maybe that day will come to late, just as it already has gone for my other grandparents.
It is a sad indictment on all of us when we promote the need for "PRIDE" and then hide it in a closet when it suits us. I'm guilty and I can't offer a decent excuse.
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