Bursting with PRIDE...

I'll admit it.

I didn't know what to expect.

But, I'll also admit I was truly excited to go visit our son, Blaize, in Chicago for our very first PRIDE Parade.

We've been planning this for awhile. While we were at the Comstock's Backyard Bash in May, I asked the same person who made their t-shirts to make some for us, too.

Our kids worked together to 'design' what theirs would say.

I follow an Instagram account called "LGBT History.'  I saw a picture from the 1980's of a mom with her son.  Her shirt said, "My son is BI.  I don't ask why."  Her son's shirt said, "My mom is straight and she doesn't hate.'

As soon as I saw it, I took a screenshot and sent the picture to Blaize.  I told him I wanted those shirts!

Several months later, Ed and I each had one black t-shirt and one gray t-shirt packed in our suitcase.  Our own version of the t-shirts I'd seen was screen printed on the front and back.

Blaize, Brody, and Bentley had their own tanks with a clever saying which paid homage to the popular NSYNC song, "Bye, Bye, Bye.'

Bursting with PRIDE.

It's not unusual to be apprehensive when you go into a new situation or atmosphere.

Chicago has a defined LGBTQ community called Boystown.

I've been there a few times now but, as a heterosexual person, I'm one of the minority.  I've witnessed how many minorities are treated in other walks of life.

I'm here to say that any concerns I had were all in my head.  From my very first visit, I felt immediate acceptance.

In fact, being the mom of a LGBTQ son, I have--what I would call--an elevated status in Boystown. Mom's are LOVED!  Dad's, too.  But, Mom's seem to be even more revered.  I feel like a rock star when I'm there.

Who doesn't like feeling special?

But, the best part of going to Boystown with Blaize is seeing how happy he is. We meet his friends--he proudly introduces us--and I sit and listen as he tells them how lucky he feels that he has his family supporting him.

Those words melt my heart.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Bursting with PRIDE.

I'm still trying to figure out the proper and politically correct things to say. I have a habit of speaking before I think.

Blaize had to correct me a few times before I made a faux paux with something I said.  I actually did say two things that had my son looking at me with a negative shake of his head and an eye roll.  Luckily, I didn't say it where anyone besides my family heard. Blaize asked if I'd run anything questionable by him before I said it. See, I am never too old to learn!

I doubt I would have ever been in Boystown without Blaize taking us there.

I doubt I would have ever made a special trip to Chicago for the PRIDE parade without Blaize wanting us to come.

I definitely wouldn't have had t-shirts made.

It's about Blaize.

We'd do anything for him.  Just like we would for our other three children.

Sometimes, that can take us in a new and an unexpected direction.

I'm certainly not a perfect person.  I try to live a life of acceptance and only share my opinions with those who ask me.  I've screwed up.  I've probably said things I shouldn't have said without thinking how offensive it might be to someone else.

When one of your children suddenly tells you they're part of a minority group--one which is often questioned and ridiculed--your world changes in that instance.  I've become hyper-sensitive to the hate and insensitivity in our world.

I'm learning how to become an educated mom of a LGBTQ son. I don't address every slur I hear.  If someone truly wants to become more aware, I'm thrilled to discuss anything with them.  As for the others who simply want to judge or 'save' me or my son...well, I've chosen to let them live their life as they have a right to do...and I walk away.   

The PRIDE parade brought tears to my eyes.

I stood among thousands of people. We were all there for different reasons.

Personally, my reason wasn't political or to make some statement.

My reason was my son.

Bursting with PRIDE.

I did something uncomfortable for me. And, once immersed in that huge crowd, I felt more a part of the group than I could have imagined.

Acceptance.  Total acceptance.

I am a 52 year old heterosexual female. Instead of sticking out in the crowd...I blended in.

I can't thank Blaize enough for giving me this experience. I understand now when he tells us how life-changing his first PRIDE parade was for him.  I felt the same attending mine.

As a person who thought she was open-minded and full of acceptance, I've realized I have a long way to go.

There's always more to learn and a plethora of ways to encourage acceptance.

I love you, Blaizer.

You've expanded my world in ways I never imagined.

It is what it is.

p