Friday, June 20, 2008

An Outing in the Mountains


Living in the mountains is wonderful. I know you westerners may think our mountains are wimpy, and surely they are by Rocky Mtn. standards. But we love them. I love them. After a week or so of heat, we've settled into more usual weather: Highs in the low 80's or high 70's during the day. At night it drops to a crisp mid-50's. The humidity is down and it's magnificent. What a great place to be.

This Sunday evening, I come out to my kids. One thing or another has caused the great outing to get pushed later and later into the month. I want to get this over with! Part of me dreads it, of course. The emotional energy will be immense; so will the relief. But part of me is excited about getting this done. Finally, I can begin to become more and more real with my daughters. It's not that I've been "false" with them, but I have been hidden. There is a barrier between us that will begin to come down, I hope.

Of course, I must remain the adult, the parent, the grown up. I tend to want everyone to be my "friend." But this are my children, not just some random young adults. {Flash to Star Wars: "Luke, I am your father!"}

We need rain, here in the mountains. As beautiful as the weather is, we need rain. Rain to soften the soil, to nourish growth, to wash away grit and dust. We need rain.

I pray for rain: a rain of courage, grace, and stability. Rain to wash, to nourish, to soften.

Send good vibes, prayers, thoughts for me and my children on Sunday evening. Pray for rain.

14 comments:

Geoffrey said...

My thoughts are with you. I hope it all goes well. Sometimes these things can be a little anticlimatic, I'm hoping yours will be too. As long as they know that you love them and will always love them, that's what will matter most.

Birdie said...

I am praying for loving acceptance, grace, comfort, and openness for all of you. You are being lifted up; your fears will be vanquished.

Sooo-this-is-me said...

I hope you find all the strength you need for this weekend. I think the most important thing will be to remind your children that being gay does not change the fact that you love them and you will always be their Dad, the most important job any man can have in this world. Wishing you all the best with this Joe!

Lemuel said...

I am absolutely with you on the "I am your Father" part.

As for rain, I will seek for you "showers of blessing".

BentonQuest said...

As in all things, know that God is with you in this, too. You are not alone. You also have your blogger buddies thinking of you, praying for you, and cheering you on!

John said...

God bless...

Michael Dodd said...

Prayers. And hope.

daveincleveland said...

hey there buddy, you know who will give you the strength to get through this....He is there and will carry you and your kids through this....my thoughts and prayers are with this sunday as you prepare and talk to your kids tonight..
hugs from cleveland

Jeffrey said...

With you! Sending you good juju from Oberlin ...

bear said...

so very difficult to come out to the people who mean the most to you. I hope it turns out well.

Ur-spo said...

it is sunday night and already my mind and vibes are heading your way.
regardless of what occurs; you are over the biggest mountain now.

Birdie said...

Sunday evening: I'm praying for you all.

manxxman said...

Monday morning (ok I'm catching up on reading my blogs) but my heart is with you.....

Anonymous said...

Knowing what has already transpired, I'll comment on the mountains.....I would so love to live amongst them. Being in Illinois all my life and spending 5years in the middle of corn fields (at college), these flatlands are soooo boring. The viaducts are always the highest points. ;-)