Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Goodbye Mom



  Gwendolyn Tipton 9/6/27 to 12/7/2015.
No one can love you like your mother.
The parents of a gay child have a delicate task. Since the child most often has no idea of what sexuality is, there is no confirmation early on. If a loving parent suspects this might be true, they have to manage their fear yet support the emerging identity open heartedly. This isn`t simple especially if religion is a part of the family. My parents were devout Christians yet when I came out to them, they believed without question what I told them, that I didn`t choose it, it was part of who I was. I never feared rejection for a moment.
Mom took a course in human sexuality at the community college to understand it and it opened her eyes and heart. Most importantly my parents liked me and this gave me the confidence to be myself.
She championed all four of her sons all of her life. We drew strength from her and knew we were lucky to have her.




 Here she is seven years ago with her great grand daughter Hailey. She LOVED babies!

Thank you Mom, you were wonderful.


9 comments:

Gary L. Everest said...

Hi Randall,
After reading this post, and learning what must undeniably be the most important and wonderful thing about your Mom's life, you and your brothers were truly blessed to be raised by her.

Celebrate her life and the brave and courageous manner she chose to move on.

My heart goes out to you and the entire family.

Sincerely,
Gary.




Mary Pyche said...

That is a sad and beautiful heart-felt commentary accompanying your post today. Sorry for your loss.

Libby Fife said...

Randall,

I knew this news would be coming and I was waiting for it. You wrote very beautifully about your mom. Thank you for that.

We don't know each other but honestly, I wish you well as you begin to adjust to your mom's passing. Take care.

Libby

RH Carpenter said...

What a wonderful person to take a course to understand her beloved son! I am so sorry for your loss.

E.M. Corsa said...

This brought tears to my eyes. How lucky were you to have such a wonderful Mom, role model and friend. I am so sorry you have lost your mother. Take comfort in the fact you have friends who care that you haven't ever met.
With Love.
Elizabeth

Colours by sheri said...

Oh Randall, I will be thinking of you and your family.... Sending good thoughts. I'm feeling grateful you had such an amazing Mom

Maggie Emm said...

Here is another stranger wishing you well in your new life without your mum - so different. I was lucky like you to have a mother who accepted and loved me unconditionally. What a gift to give someone, that stays with them their entire life - she will always be with you! x

Chris Lally said...

A beautiful tribute to a lovely woman of quality. So sorry, Randall.

Randall David Tipton said...

Thank you all for such kind comments. To those of you whom I don`t have email addresses, know that I appreciate your words. Randall