;
[This is kind of cheating because it didn’t actually occur around the dinner table. It occurred in our mini-van, but it was dinner table-esque.]
We spent 6 hours last weekend driving to and from our niece’s baptism (a beautiful family affair followed by hours of “cousin-ing”). On our way to the baptism, Brent and I played a couple of songs from The Book of Mormon musical soundtrack for the kids. Our oldest loves to sing along to “I Believe” and we both chuckle during “Hello.” We listened to “Turn It Off” and had to pause it frequently to explain various things to Stuart, who’s 8.
After it was over, Stuart said, “Mom, are there really people that think that if you’re gay, you can just . . . pretend to not be gay and then you won’t be gay anymore?”
I said, “Well, yeah, there are some people who think if you just try really hard and pray and ask God to help you, you can become not gay.”
Crickets from the backseat for a few moments.
Then he piped up, with a skeptical tone: “Well does that really work?”
Me again: “From what I’ve read, no. It doesn’t really work.”
Kennedy (age 14, laughing): “Umm, yeah–I’m sure I couldn’t just make myself be attracted to other girls.”
Stuart: “Mom, that idea doesn’t even make any sense. I think people probably just need to DO . . . what they are.”
Me: “I agree. People probably just need to do what they are.”
* * * * *
This, from the kid who earlier in the week said, “Mom, do you know what really sucks about being a kid?”
Me: “What?”
Stuart: “Always being wrong about everything.”
;
Ah, Stuart. I love that kid, all your kids! I expect to see him dancing on Broadway one day, or maybe representing his state in congress.
@Would love to see both of those things happen one day, Jacque! He does have a big heart, my Stuart.
If I were that wise when I was young, I would’ve saved a lot of heartache.
Heather, I realize that you might not be able to come to Betty’s and my wedding reception, but if you do, I want you to read this post. And, if Stuart can come, he can read it because he’s absolutely right. You’ve just got to “do what you are.” Yes! Aunt Marilyn
Ah, love this and love the wisdom and kind heart of Stuart, thank you for sharing.
A wise and thoughtful kid. Love it.
nice one for dropping this article. I am definitely tired of struggling to find relevant and intelligent commentary on this subject. Everyone nowadays seem to go to extremes to either drive home their viewpoint or suggest that everybody else in the globe is wrong. thank for your concise and relevant insight.
I am not a Muslim I am a British Citizen I am a supporter of Human Rights I am a Feminist ?C I believe in the equal rights of women to men.. I have a degree in Applied Community Studies- I am interested in the history and development of the Women??s movement.. vocal in England since the eighteenth century- The position of the male voice has always been contentious ?C but it is through dialogue and debate that ideas are refined- Political rants overspill ?C the main focus should be Human Rights and the agenda to eliminate cruel practices which have no place in a modern judiciary in Iran or elsewhere. Salaam peace cate