Ashley Hines

*NOTE FROM AUTHOR: I wanted to write something that at least one person could relate to. I don’t know you, we may never get the chance to speak, but if you can read this story and feel it on a personal level then I consider that a huge success. I consider that a WIN for both you and I.*

This story is about a 32 year old man named Gerald, who is going home to visit mother after 12 years of being away. He has not spoken with or seen her in more than 10 years. He loves his mother and feels guilt daily for being away for so long, but he’s gay and he doesn’t want to see rejection on the face of the only woman he ever loved. He grew up as a Christian, his father was a “man’s man” and his mother was the humble wife.
He knew his father would not understand and didn’t feel much when his father put him out at 17. He never went back and never told his mother why he left.

One day out of the blue he calls her and tells her he and a “friend” will be coming for Thanksgiving. No real emotion, just a quick, “Hey ma, I know its been some time, but I’m coming home… and I’m bringing a friend.”
Kyle, the love of his life, accompanies him to his childhood home. So many memories in one little house. His goal is to come out to his mother and tell her that Kyle is his boyfriend and has been for some time. She can accept him or reject him.
The beauty of all this begins the moment he steps out of his car and sees his mother. All the bravado, the facade, the steel, he placed around his heart begins to fade the moment she wraps her thin arms around his large frame.