My Big Girl Turned 18!

Two posts in one day...go me!

Six days ago, my big girl turned 18. It seems like just yesterday she was cutting her first tooth, saying her first word (which was BALL of all things), learning to crawl then walk...Where'd they years go?

I'm so proud of her. She knows what she wants to be...A Photographer. She's self taught, and she's quite good. And every day she gets better with every photo she takes. She eventually wants to go to an art college and study photography. "HE" on the other wants her to go to a community college for a year or two to get the college basics down (what the hell that is...I dunno) and major in something she's interested in. UM...newsflash...they don't teach photography! But, this is what "HE" is insisting on and "HE" has actually asked me to 'convince' her to do this.

I love that she is learning to be her authentic self and not conform to what others what her to be or do. I'm slowly starting to see things in her that she seems passionate about. Things that make her want to speak out. One thing that has really touched her was the "It Gets Better" campaign. And the recent news about what's been happening in Florida with the new executive order that was passed.

While the rest of the family doesn't know. And I've been hesitant to talk about it here as I don't know if she'd be okay with it. But...she does read my blog and she's wants me to remove this post or any portion, I will respect her wishes. My big girl came out to us on christmas day. While to me it was no surprise...did I outwardly know...no I did not, had I suspected? Over the recent months...Yes! I am supportive of her choice. I'm not going to condemn her, be angry with her or belittle her. I love my daughters no matter what. And I've told them over and over that no matter if they were gay, straight or bisexual...it doesn't change the fact that I love them.

Now "HE" on the other hand, wouldn't even look at her or speak to her for well over an hour after her revelation. And then gave her the half-hearted "I still love you know matter what" comment. My friends...guess what..."HE" is in denial about this too. Big surprise, right? "HIS" excuse for her misconceived notion (as "HE" thinks it is just misplaced feelings)...that she hasn't had much exposure to boys because we homeschooled. Um...newsflash...she had boys that were friends that lived on our street...she attended public school for a year...there were boys in the churches we attended. Lack of exposure? WTF is that?

So while I am accepting and supportive, "HE" is denying it and won't speak of it. My young one (who OMG will be 15 in March!) is supportive of her sister. My big girls closest friends are supportive. Yet their father won't accept it. Now we weren't at all surprised, but we did hope for a different outcome.

Just because someone gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual or transgendered doesn't change who they are on the inside. They are still your child, your family member, your friend...whatever the case maybe. The agenda in Florida saddens me. It just goes to show that we as a society still have a long way to go. Our society needs to wake up and realize that the LBGT community is not going to go away. We need to support them and accept them, not discriminate or turn our backs on them. They are people just like us, they bleed when they get cut, they cry when they are sad or in pain, they laugh when they are happy....They are just like us.

But anyway...Happy Birthday to my big girl (even if this post is a few days late LOL) Be happy and shine my darling girl!