Posted by:
PapaKen
(
)
Date: May 23, 2017 09:00PM
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!!