“October 11th was National Coming Out day, and I’m typically out hugging strangers. But because of Covid, I’m home in my bed, with no rainbow to wash off my face.
Still, I can’t let this day pass by without sharing a bit of my heart. So, here it is folks.
Every October, I attend an event where I hug a crap ton of strangers. Some of them laugh, some of them cry. Some of them stare at the weirdo moms who wear shirts that offer free hugs.
Honestly, I feel like the latter response is probably the most normal. Stranger danger and all of that.
But what about the situation is normal to begin with? I think about that all the time.
I’m not gay. I can’t relate to any of the struggles that come with being in the LGBTQ community. But I’ve spent a lot of time in this circle, praying with and loving on fellow humans.
And what I find most shocking about this community isn’t the flamboyant drag queens.
Nope.
What I find most shocking is the fact there are actual parents, living on Earth, who withhold love from their own children.
That, to me, is utterly shocking. It is beyond my comprehension.
From the moment my babies were placed on my chest, I was ruined with love for them. I knew there wasn’t a single thing they could do to ever make me love them less.
And listen, they have both tested that theory.
But, the idea my children would one day have to seek refuge in the arms of some stranger’s mother…
My goodness, that just wrecks me.
Hear me, please. I’m not here to argue. There’s nothing to argue about.
My position is this: LOVE PEOPLE.
For goodness sake, just freaking love them.
Don’t ask questions. Don’t be nosy. Don’t be a judgmental jerk.
Love people. Hard stop.
Is it really that hard?
And for the love of all things holy, if your child comes out, don’t you dare abandon them.
You’re a parent—you have ONE JOB: To love your babies well.
So, wrap your kid up in a big, squishy hug and tell them they are loved. And if you won’t do it, send them to me.
My arms are open, and I WILL.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Mary Katherine Backstrom. Mary’s book Mom Babble: The Messy Truth about Motherhood is available here. Follow Mary on Instagram here. Submit your story here, and be sure to subscribe to our best love stories here.
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