Tomorrow is my son's farewell, and although I vowed to not go, I decided today that I will force myself to attend. Missing it, when he has asked me to be there, would be more difficult than gritting my teeth and going. It is not going to be easy, and I don't know where I will get the courage to do so, but I am going to sneak in the back just before his talk, and sneak out again right after. I simply cannot face my family or the family of my ex wife either, so I can only be there for the talk and nothing else. Thank you for all your support, and I will let you know how it goes.

You know you'll be there. Hopefully he'll see you.

Oh, and wear a blue shirt or something.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2010 06:42PM by michael.

Good for you. You will do what is right for you and your son.
It is normal to go back and forth on a thing like this.
Hang in there. You might join your gay friends in a bar after wards.

The things we do for our children. Sometimes hard, very hard indeed. Good luck!!

I think you are going to make him very happy by being there. Will you tell him you will be in the back? Good luck and hope none of the annoying people get anywhere near you. Remember to tell him you are available when he is "off to lands unknown to us" and you will get him back if he wants to come back early.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2010 06:57PM by honestone.

but I may not do it until after the meeting. I don't want to put pressure on him to acknowledge me during his talk, but I'll make sure he knows I attended.

He needs to know that his dad is there supporting him. And when he looks your way, give him a small wave from the back.

He'll want to know.

We have our fingers crossed for you, Wendell! Let us know how it goes!

It's a loving thing to do. We're proud of you.

Just make sure you don't miss the talk! :-) This is what your son wants. It's about him, not you.

Definitely plan something for afterwards!

It will keep you from caving in, and tagging along to an open house or something, and meeting the so-called "friends" in your son's ward--friends who will abandon your son in a heartbeat if he were to leave his mission early, or abandon Mormonism completely. You, on the other hand, will be there for him, no matter what. Yes, I think offering him a way home would be absolutely appropriate.

It is the Mormons' party, the Mormons' game--but it is your son's life. Let him know he is one-of-a-kind, and that you value him as your son! The Mormons will never give him that kind of unconditional love.

Truth and Love will prevail!

Oh, wear the appropriate uniform, so you won't call attention to yourself. But, underneath, you must wear a red speedo or the equivalent. Sexy underwear used to get me through difficult times like that. You are a reluctant visitor in a cult intstitution for a time--but you are still yourself underneath!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2010 08:49PM by forestpal.

It's a once in a lifetime happening, and whatever the issues, your son will NEVER forget that you were there. You don't have to sneak in and out, hold your head high, know that you love your son, and what others think doesn't matter a bit.

~Mom of 2 sons

I love this. Good for you. I would do the same inspite of the fact that I despise the church. I agree that supporting him now will make a difference in the future.

Oh and try to sneak extra copies of his passport and a loadable visa in his pocket before he goes in case he needs to make a quick escape!

I honestly don't know which part exactly, but it definitely is in Mexico.