I had known Rick since we were kids and attended the same school. We still saw each other from time to time, usually just a chance meeting now, as our wives had never been close and our families were grown. When a mutual friend and former classmate died suddenly of a massive heart attack, I wasn't surprised to see Rick at the funeral home. We reminisced a little that evening, but Rick seemed a little different somehow, not his usual self. I put it down to the circumstances of our meeting and forgot about it.
About a week later I was surprised to receive a phone call from Rick, could we meet for a coffee at the local Tim Horton's?
Rick looked haggard and was even less talkative than when we had last met, something was definitely wrong. After some small talk, with me as the main participant, Rick suddenly looked up from his coffee and asked, “Dave, is it ever wrong to love someone“? Taken aback by the question, I hesitated, “ look “, he said, “my son is gay, he told us last month when he was home from college , he says he's in love with a guy he met there, and they plan on living together”.
Carefully I broke the silence that followed, “Rick“, I said gently, “he is still your son”. Slowly Rick raised his head, “but I don't agree with that lifestyle” he responded. I understood something of what he was going through, my wife's brother had been in a similar situation a few years earlier. I had never agreed with their decision to disown their son, and hindsight had proven me right. “I'm not asking you to agree Rick”, I replied, “ I'm saying that he's still your son, and he needs you now more than ever, You've always loved him, never let anything change that.” The furrows in Rick's brow seemed to relax a little as he looked up. “That's what I thought you'd say”, he said softly,” I guess I just needed to hear it.” As we parted outside, Rick laid a hand on my shoulder, “ thanks”, he said, I've got to get home now, there's a phone call I have to make.”
