My Grandmother's Reaction to Me Being in a Same Sex Relationship was Just 5 Simple Words
My grandmother was around 84 years old when I told her that I was in a loving same-sex relationship. I told her via a letter.
I was a bit nervous sending her the letter knowing that my grandmother was a devout Christian. Born and raised as a Catholic, she is ever faithful to her religious beliefs. But since she is the most important figure in my life, I wanted her to know about my relationship.
I wanted her to meet the love of my life.
My grandmother has a big heart and I have to give her at least a chance, I told myself. So I sent out the letter. I think a couple of days later, she gave me a call. In a cheerful and upbeat voice, my grandmother said "Good morning. Everything is alright." 5 simple words in 2 short sentences. I have never felt so happy hearing those five simple words.
From L-R: My girlfriend Michee, my grandmother, and me.
A few months after, I and my girlfriend flew to my province to visit my grandmother. Upon seeing us she gave me a warm hug and the next thing I saw was my grandmother giving the same warm hug to my girlfriend. Mommy, as we fondly call her, welcomed my girlfriend, Michee, to the family with loving arms. I would often find them having a conversation and often hear Mommy asking Michee if she understood what she said and she would laugh after realizing that she was speaking to Michee in our native dialect.
Michee would always say that Mommy would start her stories in English then switch to Tagalog then eventually switch to our native dialect, Bicol (which Michee doesn't speak and understand). So most of the time, Michee would only get 2/3 of their conversations. In one of our visits, my grandmother had a serious talk with us and asked us about our future plans. We shared our dreams with her. And for me, hearing and seeing an 80 plus year old person treating us as a normal couple, giving us financial, business and relationship advice was a very touching moment and one that I would always treasure.
Michee made sure that we visit Mommy at the very least, once a year. On those visits, we'd take her out on dates and just spend time with her. Mommy, at times would tag us along to wherever she needed and wanted to go, whether it was a meeting with friends or various groups and organizations she belonged to.
Every time we had to say goodbye, my grandmother would always say that we should extend our stay. Sadly, we couldn't. But we kept in constant communication when we got back in the city. We had almost 4 years with my grandmother. She passed away last November 2013. I would always remember Mommy's kind and loving ways. She sure did have a big heart and a very open mind. And I am very lucky to have had her as my grandmother. She made us experience a world that is accepting. She showed us that even with our differences in beliefs and views, love can win.
And love will always win if we choose it.
I love you Mommy. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for loving Michee and treating her as family.
