As most of you know, I am quite agnostic when it comes to religion. I normally would take my family and go to church twice a year anyway for Easter and Christmas. This year I didn't. Instead we went and volunteered at a homeless shelter. We served lunch to a hundred or more. It was very rewarding. My two little girls got in on the action and helped clean up.
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As we served lunch, it broke my heart to see homeless families with little children. I spoke to one lady and her husband who had a five year old boy. They lost everything they owned due to medical bills they couldn't afford to pay. They lost their jobs, and ended up on the streets with no place to go. Isn't it great that our new healthcare bill should prevent stories like this in the future? Boo to all Republicans who made it out to be something it wasn't.
I also saw an elderly woman. She was probably in her 70's. She too was homeless because the pension she relied on went away when the company went bankrupt. She gets a small amount each month, but it wasn't enough for her to maintain her home. She stays with friends when she can, but I asked her where she slept last night and she told me it was under a nearby bridge. I spoke to a man at the shelter and she will have a place to sleep tonight there.
I don't feel guilty for skipping church on Easter. Matt's mom called me and was appalled that we didn't plan to go. I reminded her kindly that she was the one who turned her back on her own son. She saw it differently. She had the nerve to request that he go home for a week during his spring break. I told her I wouldn't allow it. She can't change him. He is who he is! She ended up being very frustrated with me, but I have held my tongue with her for too long.
Matt is doing very well. He went to Orlando to spend time with his new friend (dare I say, boyfriend?). I met him last weekend and he is so wonderful for Matt. They share the same background and I believe Matt is learning more from him than anyone else. Matt's outlook on so many things has changed since they met.
In this diary, I'd like to include some links that have been helpful to me (and Matt) over the last several weeks. I didn't know these organizations existed, so maybe I'm introducing them to you now.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force website is a wonderful resource. If you select your state, you are immediately linked to local resources. They also have an "issues" section that talks about everything from health to religion. I highly encourage you to review the site if you need them as a resource.
Matt has especially enjoyed Soul Force. He's read many of the articles and comments there as he tries to sort through his faith and sexuality. I think he's making great progress in this area.
Matt has also found useful information at Youth Resource.
I am encouraged by the support this community has given to Matt, and my family. We may not all go to church, but I believe we sure have a loving spirit here.