shawneos
06-17-2008, 04:08 PM
To let you know, it's pronounced Shawn, my parents thought it would make it seem more feminine if they put the e on the end. If it were a French name then that would make complete sense, but being an Irish name, just confusion! lol...
I am a straight ally. I've been separated from Randall for a year. He came out in December 2005. Actually I'm his second wife and he has two children from that marriage, son - 23 and daughter - 20. Together we have two daughters who are 12 and 14. Yes, the joys of preteen and a teenager!
Things were hard at first when he came out as I questioned myself for everything. Being ignorant was not good for me. But I immersed myself in books, internet groups, everything I could get my eyes on to find out what I did wrong. Of course, now I know that it had absolutely nothing to do with me. It had to do with the way he was born! The reason he married, twice, was due to his extremely conservative and Missouri Synod Lutheran Church (which he was excommunicated from for being gay). I completely understand now why he did not feel safe in coming clean and weeped for him in having to lead a double life for over 46 years. He's much happier now and living his authentic life, thank GOD! We are best, best friends and totally support one another in all aspects of our lives. Not just because we have two daughters to raise but because we genuinely love each other.
We are now members of a very open, accepting Catholic Church in Orange County and for the first time in his life, he feels at home in church. (I was raised Catholic.) This Easter, our daughters were confirmed and made their first communion in this church and life is great there.
In the past two years, we have become advocates and activists for gay rights. Our daughters are on the band wagon right along with us. My 14 year old is beginning high school in September that does not have a GSA. Hopefully with my help, they will soon!
I'm so proud of Soulforce and to be able to call myself a part of this amazing organization. We know that God has brought us on this journey for a reason and keep following the path he puts in front of us.
Someday we hope that there won't be a need for groups like ours and it will be a non-issue. But in the meantime, we're here until we need to be.
God bless everyone and have a great day.
Love and hugs, Shawne
I am a straight ally. I've been separated from Randall for a year. He came out in December 2005. Actually I'm his second wife and he has two children from that marriage, son - 23 and daughter - 20. Together we have two daughters who are 12 and 14. Yes, the joys of preteen and a teenager!
Things were hard at first when he came out as I questioned myself for everything. Being ignorant was not good for me. But I immersed myself in books, internet groups, everything I could get my eyes on to find out what I did wrong. Of course, now I know that it had absolutely nothing to do with me. It had to do with the way he was born! The reason he married, twice, was due to his extremely conservative and Missouri Synod Lutheran Church (which he was excommunicated from for being gay). I completely understand now why he did not feel safe in coming clean and weeped for him in having to lead a double life for over 46 years. He's much happier now and living his authentic life, thank GOD! We are best, best friends and totally support one another in all aspects of our lives. Not just because we have two daughters to raise but because we genuinely love each other.
We are now members of a very open, accepting Catholic Church in Orange County and for the first time in his life, he feels at home in church. (I was raised Catholic.) This Easter, our daughters were confirmed and made their first communion in this church and life is great there.
In the past two years, we have become advocates and activists for gay rights. Our daughters are on the band wagon right along with us. My 14 year old is beginning high school in September that does not have a GSA. Hopefully with my help, they will soon!
I'm so proud of Soulforce and to be able to call myself a part of this amazing organization. We know that God has brought us on this journey for a reason and keep following the path he puts in front of us.
Someday we hope that there won't be a need for groups like ours and it will be a non-issue. But in the meantime, we're here until we need to be.
God bless everyone and have a great day.
Love and hugs, Shawne