This story from the Chattanooga Times Free Press is one of the most inspiring, heart-wrenching stories I have ever read. It’s about Matt Nevels, a lifelong Southern Baptist, and the changes that happened in his life after he found out his son was gay. My heart is with this man and his family in so many different ways. Nevels’ love and respect for others is so evident and so powerful. This is an amazing man.
This is also an amazing profile. I’m also deeply impressed with the writing of author Joan Garrett and with the Times Free Press, for running a truly amazing piece of journalism that could not come from anywhere else.
Read it.
When he and Frances walked into the hospital room, Stephen was lying in the bed in a thin gown. His body white and weak. The same blue eyes, but hollow underneath.
Stephen looked at his father. The room felt tight with fear and embarrassment. Matt knew his son was waiting to hear his voice, listening for reassurance.
And Matt began to cry in front of his son. Frances held her hands over her mouth and cried, too.
“Son, it’s OK,” Matt said. “We are going to love you the way you are.”
Stephen sobbed. He crawled out of bed and into Matt’s lap and Matt held him like he did when he was just a boy. Stephen put his arms around his father’s neck and kissed him on the cheek.
“Son, don’t worry,” Matt said softly. “Nothing between us is going to change.”
The full story at the Chattanooga Times Free Press
Via The Slacktivist blog