Welcome to the 21st Century: I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just...

Poppino

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

Rufus Loc: Deep South

Poppino wrote:

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been marr... (show quote)

Damn. It is difficult. I am very anti gay. However, I too am a Christian and I know how important family is. all of us fall short and all of us sin. I struggle with this gay thing and I am not the best person to help a gay person. But, many gays or those who think they are gay become Christians and overcome homosexual ism even to the point of marrying members of the opposite sex and having children and living happy productive lives. There is such a push from the gays on society that I fear for our young people. I will pray for you, your grandchild and your family. God can heal anyone and can help us overcome sin in our lives. The sin of homosexual ism can lead to so much heartbreak and misery, even to suicide. You may let him know you love him no matter what, but also seek Godly counsel and spend time with him along with other Christian family members in an effort to help him through this. It may take much time and patience. Welcome to the forum, but do not be offended by my outspoken view of gays. Many on here are full of h**e and venom and I don't tolerate them as a rule. I will pray about this. Of course I want the best for everyone involved because we are created in God's image and He loves us and wants us to know Him and live life abundantly. Bless you.

okie don

Poppino,

In what reading I have done Biblically, As I understand what I have read,Jesus left us ALL to additional commandments aside from the 10 Moses brought:
11 'Judge not least ye be judged' &
12 'Love one another'

I'd say your following them...
Bless you

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Poppino wrote:

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been marr... (show quote)

A wonderful story to share! Your grandson is blessed to have such strong familial ties to lean on, Poppino.

Family is everything. :thumbup:

astrolite

Poppino wrote:

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been marr... (show quote)

Same here! Same generation, same 4 kids, 10 grands one great on the way. But I raised them as wife went away! Also took in most of the neighborhood kids and my childrens friends! I have a large pole barn (redneck substitute for a garage) Lots of plastic chairs, a refrigerator, drinking fountain, ash trays, tire mounting machine and lift! It is usually full of friends and neighbors and their kids, working on 4 wheelers and jacked up trucks! learning to use the welder or changing their huge tires, I never get bored, and we discuss a lot of things. Luckily I have yet to confront your problem! I don't approve of q***rs, but am willing to "look the other way" I hope I never have your problem as I wouldn't know what to do?

okie don

astro,
Sounds like your a Mr wizard to me.
Teaching all those kids things...lol's

astrolite

okie don wrote:

astro,
Sounds like your a Mr wizard to me.
Teaching all those kids things...lol's

That was the way it was in my neighborhood when I was growing up! Down the street an old fella had a garage, all the kids hung out there and talked, and of course asked questions they were afraid to ask their own fathers. And he helped us work on our cars, or motorcycles, or bikes as the age might be! Sometimes we got lucky and his wife baked cookies! I learned a lot from him and older boys, working on their cars! Then helping them, finally doing it for them while they bussed tables at Burger King to buy the parts! Later when I had my first car, I learned to change tires (another part time job to pay for college) and weld and use torches! MY own dad taught me to use lathes and milling machines in his small factory! (interestingly I learned more machinist work from a man named Floyd Brown) It just seems normal to do those things, and when my sons came of age their friends were here too, and I took in a few over the years! And a few of my daughters friends also! (White, black and Mexican). As I am in Agriculture, there are lots of farmers, farm workers and ranchers h*****g around! I fly and work on planes, you meet a whole other class of people there! I prefer to build things, I don't get any thrill from destruction, like some people! We also build swamp buggies and airboats, Never a boreing minute! I can't see myself living in a nursing home!

okie don

Kool Astro,

Your truly enjoying life and teaching kids to be self sufficient and off the boob tubes and away from 'shoot um up video games...
Bravo!!!

Oliver Loc: Dayton, OH

Poppino wrote:

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been marr... (show quote)

"Family is everything."? Really? Those who don't stand for the t***h will fall for anything.

astrolite

Oliver wrote:

"Family is everything."? Really? Those who don't stand for the t***h will fall for anything.

Yes I agree "Family is everything" I always wanted a big family, I only had one brother, But now I have lots of family, both mine and adopted! I could never live in a big city, but there is always plenty of company around here!

straightUp Loc: California

Poppino wrote:

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been marr... (show quote)

Beautiful message Poppino.

:thumbup:

meridianlesilie Loc: mars

well sounds like you have it pretty good ...well i learned that we have to let god judge the people not us guess you have to like the priest as he is i do not even know in gods eyes he should be a priest but if he is a big help in your worshipping then keep going there if not go some where else ..god love's people perfect or not ..so well have a good day!!!later...

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

slatten49 wrote:

A wonderful story to share! Your grandson is blessed to have such strong familial ties to lean on, Poppino.

Family is everything. :thumbup:

:thumbup: :thumbup: to the two of you!! I was blessed with 17 aunts and uncles, and that was only on my mother's side of the family!! I, unfortunately, was not blessed with siblings. I do remember though what it was like to be nurtured, scolded, and loved by all those aunts and uncles and how, regardless of what they all felt internally about a sibling's dilemma, they all showed up without fail when one was in trouble. Unconditional love, even though I know there was a definite urge from time to time for someone to really have the urge to yell "what were you thinking??!!??".

archie bunker Loc: Texas

Poppino wrote:

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been married 50 years, on 5/12, to my equally spry and pretty as ever wife (she paid me to say that; just kidding). We have 4 children, 6 grandkids, 2 great grandkids, and another grandkid due in sept. Family is everything to me and it seems it is true for all the family. We spend all the holidays together and even spend most of our vacations together. Very close. I guess we would be labeled hard right conservatives by our common beliefs and values. My daddy, a devout Baptist, disapproved of dancing and music but we are not that far gone. Yet all of us are involved in our churches and take Jesus as central to our lives.

This is difficult to put into words but all of us have been so blessed for so long, I started losing sleep. When was the other shoe going to finally fall? It was sort of a final exam test of faith. Is God in control or not? My growing worry was not doing anything but getting on everyone's nerves. Everyone was praying for me to be rid of this fear that was taking over my life. Then my favorite (yes, I have favorites) grandchild called and said he needed to talk to me.

The garage, where I putter with various projects perpetually unfinished, is where all such talks take place since I was a kid. Saying, "They're in the garage," is like saying the priest is in the sanctum sanctorum with what could turn out to be a sacrifice. Not that extreme but you get the idea. He opens by saying, "Poppino, I'm gay." "Great," I respond, "wonderful news." He gives me this puzzled look, then asks, "Poppino, did you hear what I said?" I answer, "Of course I did, you are very happy over something. Is it the upcoming new addition to the family?" He laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Poppino," he says, reaching out to clasp my hands, "listen"; "I am a homosexual." And with saying those words, his demeanor totally changed; he looked like a frightened child, eyes begging to be held. And that is all that I did, and realized later that was all I could do. Family is everything.

I am 70 years old and still spry. I have been marr... (show quote)

What else could you do? I have not been in that situation, but we have dealt with a meth head for a few years now. She finally had to be cut off. Banished. It is a difficult thing at best.
It would be way better if her worst problem was being gay. I could live with that.
I am with all of you! Without my family, I would be an empty shell!!

We went to a funeral Saturday for the son of friends of 20 years plus. It was a gut wrenching day.
We went that evening to my daughter's where I just wanted to hold her, and cry. I can't imagine!!
My son just got back from N.Dakata. he is next!!

I hope you join us more. We have somewhat of a virtual family here. I think I may be one of the red-headed step children!! Join in, have some fun!!
:thumbup:

ColdDrink

Rufus wrote:

Damn. It is difficult. I am very anti gay. However... (show quote)

This is more about love.