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 queers, but am willing to "look the other way" I hope I never have your problem as I wouldn't know what to do?

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 hanging 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!

: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??!!??".

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:

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.

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 hate 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.