I know I am going to get so much flak for this blog but as Mr. Hitler said, "your silence will not save you."
When I moved to Klamath I literally knew no one. The Hempels were the only people that even knew I existed within 300 miles. It was terrifying. My patients quickly became my friends. Not all, but many of them I know their kids names, how many animals they have, things they are worried about as well as what diseases they have.
This one particular patient has always stuck out to me. He is truly one of the most genuine, sweet, and love filled person I have ever met. He has compassion for everyone. When he asks you how you are, he actually listens to your reply and doesn't just wait for his turn to talk.
He came in today to discuss some things that were effecting his new relationship. I greeted him with a smile and he countered with a grin. We got back in the exam room and I could tell that he was holding something back. I asked him how his new relationship was going and he said that he was excited to find somebody to connect with again. So being female I dug for the details. I asked what her name was, and then the inevitable awkward silence. I said, "Charlie," his name isn't Charlie but I love that name and I would like to keep my job so I will call him Charlie. I said to him, "Charlie, it's not a her is it?" He shook his head rolled his eyes and answered with a shy scared "No, his name is Joe." I literally took one jump and said a congratulatory "That is so great!" Here is the part that breaks me. He got a tear in his eye, an ACTUAL TEAR, and said "thank you, I really needed to hear that."
I think that it is a true tragedy in every sense of the word that this wonderful man has met another person that he can share dreams, tears, and all the other life changing experiences that you have in a relationship, and can't scream it from the rooftops. How dare we all judge others for having something that over 50% of the United States desires on a daily basis, Love.
I am from a religion that does not support homosexuality. It is something that I struggle with and get guff from other members all the time. It can't even be talked about in a group without someone looking at me and giving me the "SEE" look because I am so openly loving towards my gays. Am I gay? No. Do I plan to become gay? Nope. I love my men! But I also love people, no matter what others think. And that is something my religion does support.
So judge me.
Three words for you, the same words I told Charlie, Love Is Love.
