Dear Mama and Papa,
You both know I'm not one for letter writing, and I don't want to waste time or make either one of you nervous with small talk about what's going on here in L.A. I'm writing the hardest letter I've ever had to write. I have sat here for months, years, trying to come up with the right words to express what I need to tell you....
But there is no right or wrong to this. There is no safe way, no perfect explanation, no easy solution... I'm gay-- a homosexual. I've known this for years, maybe I've known it all my life. When I was a kid, I just thought I was weird or different and when I was in my teens, I fought it -- knowing I would lose. And as an adult -- I have grown to love who I am with one exception: I can't be who I really am around those people I love the most -- my family.
Mom, Dad... yesterday I saw the man I love most in my life, maybe more than I've ever loved anyone -- I saw him fall apart. He's being stalked by someone who perhaps went through what I went through. I mean, maybe this guy who is stalking Drew wasn't able to be honest with his family, with his parents and maybe he kept it inside and it destroyed him -- turned him into what he is, a pathetic psycho... I don't know. I know I'm not like him, I know I have value and worth -- but it made me write this letter. Seeing what can happen to someone who isn't honest with who he is. And then seeing what that deception can do to someone you love.
Yes, by now you know-- Andrew is my lover. It's so strange to say this since he and I have been together for more than four years now. Fran and me, and that "dating" thing we were doing when you were here for your visit was all a big joke -- some would say, a big lie and they would be right. But no more lies, Mama... no more.
I'm gay. I plan on telling the rest of my family, too. But I felt you two should know first. Andrew is the most important thing right now, and he needs me to help him through this -- and I need you to help ME through this. I hope you'll be here for me.
I find myself already looking at the phone and wondering what it will be like when you call and speak to the real Eric -- or the real Luigi -- for the first time.
I love you both very much,
Eric.
I put a stamp on the envelope, found the nearest post office box ( so I wouldn't be able to change my mind!), and mailed it to my parents. I immediately went to Mocha Daze for a double (Espresso...).
I had no idea what I was walking into.
