Richard_S

I'm a closeted gay parent, and I agree, there's developed a kind of assumed quarantine zone around any child that is not your own. It's completely different than when I was growing up. If we were at a friend's house playing and got into trouble, it was assumed by all our parents that whereever the problem arose, that parent dealt with it, then called the other parent(s) and you got it again when you got home. No, I don't mean corporal punishment (those were rare and only at home and only after multiple warnings; not saying it was the right way to handle it, but it was definitely not a moment-of-anger response either). But today, the quarantine zone is essentially universal. If someone is visiting someone else's house, it's assumed each parent is to keep order with their own child(ren). There are only a few people where it's assumed OK for them to approach our kids for hugs, or to have them sit with them on the sofa to talk, or whatever. Back in the day, it was assumed when you went to your friend's house their mom would greet you with a hug, maybe a kiss on the cheek, and a reminder to be good. Seems like a hyper-paranoia has taken hold among parents, at least at younger ages. Given the sexting and sex-with-teacher scandals in schools lately, there seems to be a disconnect in the way parents approach hyper-protection in grade school and it's like they turn off a switch when the kids transition to middle- and high-school. Very odd, I would think middle school at least would garner more scrutiny by parents given the inherent opportunities for issues as the kids mature.

Airborne Toxic Event: Hell and Back

Rob cruised into class earlier than usual – very early for a Monday morning, since class starts at 8:30 , and he was out late the night before with some of his other friends. He spotted me sitting in my usual desk near the back of the room, furthest from the door. “Mornin', dude! Happy birthday!” he practically yelled across the room. I’m a quiet, reserved kid. Well, I’m 18 today so I guess I can’t call myself a kid any longer. This is my first semester at the local University, and I’m living a

Dan's birthday turns into his best and worst day wrapped into one.

since it is Monday, it must be: "I Hate Everything" by Suicide Machines... just the principle of it, if nothing else. Strap one on and enjoy the cluster.

I grew up in a southern baptist family, my dad was also a deacon in our church. When I came out to my parents my first year in college back in '91, first my mom was devastated, then my dad threatened to disown me, cut off my college funds and force me out of the house if I wouldn't break up with my boyfriend and renounce being gay. Being barely 18 and desperate to get am education to escape small-town life in Florida, I am ashamed that I caved to his demands. I pretended to be straight. I ended up pretending so well I got married and have two beautiful children. I am miserable because there is no way to come out to my wife and children without destroying our home, and if I don't come out I am trapped living a lie. I hope there will be more parents like Lance's mom in the years to come. I pray that more people will have the strength of character I fail to have to be true to themselves. I try to have faith that God will forgive me for the choices I made and give me the strength and grace to move forward in life, whatever path that leads.