This is for yesterday.
I went to my nieces classroom and school orientation last night. There are a group of parents that I had become sort of friends with when helping out in the classroom last school year and I had run into them at various times over the past 6 months because of sleepovers or swim parties.
So I get a call on Sunday night from one of the women I'm closest to that was at a birthday party last weekend that my niece was at, she was giving me notice of what happened. My niece was asked by one of the many moms at the party how her dad was, they all know of his condition. She gave the standard 7 year old answer ----"good". Then they asked about Aunt Julie. My niece answered, "She's very good and very much in love. And she got a very pretty ring too."
All the moms in attendance ears perked up at that. Then one of the moms asked, "Do you mean an engagement ring?" My niece answered, "It's a ring that says she loves her."
Wanting clarification, she was asked, "You mean, he loves her." My niece said, "No, Aunt Julie got it from her girlfriend. They're in love. They even have sleepovers."
I wasn't hiding it, but the grapevine just lit up at that statement. The mom telling me what happened said a few of the moms actually got their phones out and started texting.
So, on to last night at curriculum night at the school. I could feel the eyes on me. A lot of curious looks. A few unapproving looks from some women. Some dads I've never spoken with came up and introduced themselves -------like why? You never took the time before, but now you want to know me so you can what, watch? I was thinking wtf. I even watched as a one of the husbands walked back to wifey. A scornful look at him then a glance at me.
As the teacher was going over the curriculum, I felt just felt eyes on me. It's not a small school, but the 1 square mile neighborhood is close knit and everybody knows everybody, and most of them are church goers. I just felt out of my element and wanted to strangle someone. So, a very unpleasant evening to say the least.
And I thought it was okay to be with someone of the same sex. I thought my mom would be my biggest obstacle.
But, it's out there now, so move on, right? I was never trying to hide anything, there was no reason for me to send out a newsletter announcing it, right? So now I'm the talk of the neighborhood it seems. I'm not fine with what happened but I'll get over it. But then, after I got home I started thinking about my niece. I swear to god, if this affects her and her friendships one bit because a mom says something to her little susie that she can't play with my niece or something like that, I will f*#%ing take someone's kneecaps out.
I've decided to plan an end of the summer pool party for next weekend to see what the reception is. I will make sure my friend is there, not as moral support, but to show I'm not ashamed.
There will be my old softball bat nearby if I need to use it. Hmm, I should probably also have a supply of crutches in case anybody needs help getting back to their car.
Batter up!
Okay. Done venting.
,
Jules