What follows is my son’s personal statement for his college applications. He did not mention that Ugly Elephant was gender. Queer theory is designed to tear apart families. Gender leaves no prisoners. The clinks and bangs of our forks and knives hitting the plates and table were the only sounds breaking another silent “family” dinner. I sat next to the empty chair that my sister used to fill, peering up every so often to see my parents’ exhausted and sad faces. Dinners were different a year ago. Gone were the lively conversations and that levity used to fill our kitchen. A new unwelcome guest was always present - the ugly elephant - mental illness. That beast had overtaken my sister and sucked all the air out of the family.
Thank you for sharing this with us! It was so well written. I have thought often about how this is affecting my son. I hope it's not hurting him, but I know it's changing him. It's changing all of us.
At first, he was very helpful to me. He hasn't jumped onto the gender ideology bandwagon. So, he agreed with me and supported me in discussions with my daughter. But it's been 7 long years. We're tired. The tide is turning, though. I see things changing. I have hope.
What a beautiful person your son sounds like. My 13 year old has taken that role in my home and I feel so angry that he's being robbed of his early teen years. We were an extremely close family up until our "ugly elephant".
Amazing! In "becoming invisible" your son has become more visible than he knows. He sets an example for the struggling. It is only sad that that the elephant remained undefined save for "mental illness." No blame to anyone but the monsters and their followers.
This is an absolutely heart-breaking account. I feel this is my daughter as the roles in our family are reversed (her younger brother is the TID one). I wish him so much success and happiness as he is a talented writer. Indeed, nobody in the family emerges unscathed from a battle with the elephant of TG ideology. All of our lives have been interrupted and put into slomo. We are stunned once again by outside forces. God help us all.
What an unselfish, sensitive man you have become and any parent would be so proud of you!! You have learned so many skills for your future personal and work relationships. Blessings to you for sharing!
Wow, kudos to such an intelligent, resilient and caring young man. What a blessing you are to your parents already, and to all those whom you will meet in life. You lifted my spirit and hopes with you excellent and well-written essay. THANK YOU!
What a beautiful story! I hope he goes to a college where they appreciate him. So much awful gender ideology on college campuses now. He would add a refreshing perspective.
What a beautiful young man.
In Case Ya'll Missed It...
https://substack.com/profile/93579688-lillian-sheriff/note/c-42883689?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=1jpqjs
Thank you for sharing this with us! It was so well written. I have thought often about how this is affecting my son. I hope it's not hurting him, but I know it's changing him. It's changing all of us.
At first, he was very helpful to me. He hasn't jumped onto the gender ideology bandwagon. So, he agreed with me and supported me in discussions with my daughter. But it's been 7 long years. We're tired. The tide is turning, though. I see things changing. I have hope.
What a beautiful person your son sounds like. My 13 year old has taken that role in my home and I feel so angry that he's being robbed of his early teen years. We were an extremely close family up until our "ugly elephant".
Amazing! In "becoming invisible" your son has become more visible than he knows. He sets an example for the struggling. It is only sad that that the elephant remained undefined save for "mental illness." No blame to anyone but the monsters and their followers.
What a beautiful story about a thoughtful and loving son and brother. All families should be so lucky to have such a person!
What a strong,courageous and considerate sibling and child. If not said I am sure your parents appreciate your help and support
What an amazing brother and son! Kudos for handling things so well!
What an absolutely brilliant kid!
This is an absolutely heart-breaking account. I feel this is my daughter as the roles in our family are reversed (her younger brother is the TID one). I wish him so much success and happiness as he is a talented writer. Indeed, nobody in the family emerges unscathed from a battle with the elephant of TG ideology. All of our lives have been interrupted and put into slomo. We are stunned once again by outside forces. God help us all.
What an unselfish, sensitive man you have become and any parent would be so proud of you!! You have learned so many skills for your future personal and work relationships. Blessings to you for sharing!
What a blessing to have a son with a heart of gold who loves his parents so much to try and take away your pain. I call that a Christ like love.
Wow, kudos to such an intelligent, resilient and caring young man. What a blessing you are to your parents already, and to all those whom you will meet in life. You lifted my spirit and hopes with you excellent and well-written essay. THANK YOU!
What a beautiful story! I hope he goes to a college where they appreciate him. So much awful gender ideology on college campuses now. He would add a refreshing perspective.
You're an inspiration. You could have crumbled under it but you chose to rise up to the challenge
That is lovely!