Dear mum, hi dad,

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Today I am 78. Happy birthday to me. But to you too because somehow it’s your birthday too.

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I don’t think I ever told how much I loved you. I felt protected, encouraged, supported. Always. Back then it wasn’t fashionable saying these things, people didn’t really know how to show love. But you were different and instinctively knew it was your job to make me feel wanted.

 

Dad, if I managed to believe in myself despite the many failures at school, it was because you never said it was my fault. How could we possibly know back then I was dyslexic, and that you’re born with this impediment? And yet, you kept saying “if you really want something, I mean really want it, doors will open”. Spot on dad!
 

Mum, thanks for having up with me. You had hoped for a different child, with whom you could do things together. But, how can I put it, I was distracted and couldn’t understand what you wanted from me. And yet, you fought for me beyond fairness. I wasn’t always an angel mum, and you knew it. I never told you my friends thought you were the mother they wished they had to talk to their teachers. A fighter. ​

 

Mum and Dad, I have got something to tell you, something I never had the courage to say when I was supposed to. I am gay. I’ve known this since I was 15, loud and clear in my head and my heart, but never got the guts to come out to you. We were so perfect together and I couldn't spoil what we had. But I am gay and I feel it’s time for you to know because I might meet you again, very soon. I am gay and happy to be.

 

I hope you will still love me the way I am.

 

Your child.