About 30 years ago, I began my long journey out of the LDS belief system. It wasn't a smooth ride, by any means.

My then wife, when she realized I was not going to try anymore to be a TBM member, largely because I'm gay.... she took it upon herself to contact my former SP, who called me up to tell me there would be a "court" held in my "honor." I refused to meet with him, and also refused to attend the court. So they ex'ed me.

She was petrified that I'd try to take our kids out of Mormonism with me. I reassured her that 1) I would support their activity if they chose to stay in the church, and 2) I would not attempt to "recruit them out" at least until they became adults.

Over the years, they remained IN the church, and both married in an LDS temple. Those 2 days were probably the most difficult days of my life. I asked my older brother, as he went into the temple the day my son married, to tell my son that if it were in any way possible, I'd have been there with him.

10+ years have now passed, and during that time, I've talked often with my son, mostly about his career, family and the aspects of our lives other than the church.

Yesterday, things were a bit different when my son called me to talk. This time, he announced that he no longer has a temple recommend. He's doubting a whole lot more than I had realized. Polygamy, LGBTQ parent issues, racism..... and another handful of less serious "shelf items."

His exact words in our conversation: "A church that won't let a groom's father attend his wedding. How crazy is THAT!?" I replied that it was a pretty sensitive subject for me, even after all these years.

Well.

I am beside myself with hope & potential elation! I know, I know.... it's HIS life. It's his choice to stay, or to leave. And I've pretty much left him alone to live his life as he has seen fit. When/if he asks for advice or help, I'm ready & willing to give him some. But as for Mormonism.... he is awakening to the truth himself. He's owning it.

He hasn't made any definitive decision at this point.

But FUCK am I a HAPPY DAD right now!!

That's great, PapaKen!

This is wonderful...I am very happy for all of you.

:)

That's awesome PapaKen! I think you did the right thing by being a man of love and support for your children. I hope that someday I may receive a phone call similar to yours! Boner.

That is great news. My ex never got to experience anything like that during his lifetime.

That's really lovely, PapaKen! The real win is that you've maintained a good relationship with your kids. This is just the cherry on top. :)

Great to hear and I wish only happiness to you and your family!

That is good news.

He's maturing.

I am thrilled for you Ken! I wondered how long it would take your son to come around. Once it crumbles to the point of his making these comments to you, it is over. YEA!!! Hope he decides to take it all the way and resign too.

Seeing the kids get out of the cult is a feeling beyond words. I was so relived/happy when my own children resigned. Grand kids are excelling too and not being indoctrinated.

Thanks everyone!

Will keep you posted.

((((Papaken))) congratulations on this great progress your son has made and he shares those thoughts and feelings with you!

Own it baby!

;o)

It's nice when family members come out of their comas.

When my daughter left TSCC, she apologized to me for getting married in a place where the bride's mother could not attend (I was still a member but on the fringe and not a full tithe payer when the marriage took place). And she said that she didn't know how I stood outside while I watched some of the awful "worthy" people go in and mentioned she didn't think she could have done that if it had been her kid. That was worth it all.

I know it's hard. You know it's hard. But that's why I tell people who ask if they should go and stand outside and allow themselves to be so demeaned that yes, they should go. Because if, down the road, you're one of the many parents whose children are figuring out the truth, you will be glad that they know for a surety, how much you cared about them.