Sometimes the world can seem a dark place. We look around and miss all that is good and fun, we hear the harsh words and cruel jibes, but fail to notice the smiles and gentle touches of others.
Sometimes we see only the rain, despite the many hours of sunshine in a day.
On Sunday my brother’s sky was grey, and he was sickened and weary listening to so many comment and judge his life. Unable to remain silent any longer he wrote a letter. He needed his voice to be heard, to try to express to those who don’t understand, that love for him is no different than love for anyone who is not gay. I was only too happy to publish it.
From the moment it was published the sun began to shine for him.
Tonight my brother would like me to say thank you. To so many of you who took the time to read his words, and to those who tweeted about it or liked and shared it on facebook. The response has been enormous, and has gone a long way to reassuring him that there are very large numbers who wish him every happiness in his relationship, and believe what he has is no different to what heterosexual couples experience. He was amazed by the response, and especially thankful for the many kind comments he read here.
I too would like to add my thanks to you all, but unlike my brother I am not surprised by the reception he received, for I know how supportive and wonderful you all are, and as always you didn’t let me down.
Go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh.
photo credit: davidyuweb via photopin cc
photo credit: Muffet via photopin cc
My thoughts on a page. 
You’re brother is amazing Tric and I’m so glad he was reassured by the response. Everyone I know is voting yes! 🙂
Thank you. I too know so many who are voting yes, but I worry. What if not enough vote? What if there is a large silent no waiting to vote? What if all the talk of children’s rights has swung a large number? We’ll just have to wait and hope.
I think it’s in the bag and that was just last minute scare tactics that people don’t buy.
I think you are correct. There is a large silent No. I live in a rural area and there are a lot of older people out here who are voting No they are just afraid to say it out loud because they don’t want to be labelled homophobic or a bigot. I think it will be tight but the Yes vote will win in the end. This one falls on the thousands of youth who have registered to vote for the first time showing up on the day. Having said that it will probably pass by a huge margin just to spite my prediction! 🙂
Your* (Aghh! worst nightmare)
Hahaha.
Tá tú Fáilte 🙂
You are almost fluent. 🙂
Hahahahahahaha! 🙂 Almost! Thank you Google Translate!!!
Awesome Tric. I’m glad the sun is shining a little brighter for your brother:)
Thank you. It was the end of an awful few days and the beginning of sunshine, helped enormously by all who read and were so generous and warm in their support, including yourself.
I read your brothers letter and my internet connection wouldn’t let me reply. Damn thing kept cutting off! It was a very touching and lovely letter. Your brother is pretty awesome!
I hope your vote is yes! The issue has been a back and forth matter here. It’s a constant battle, fought in mini fights. Thankfully, it seems the argument may have ended and marriage is allowed for all.
Thank you so much. Just over a week to go, so fingers crossed. As for my brother he has a good name, Mike. 🙂
The best! 😉
always
Thanks beth.
I haven’t read your brother’s letter yet (but I’m about to) but already I have to say that the more I hear of life actually is , and has been in the past, for gay and lesbian people the more and more I feel that ‘Yes’ is the only way to go…..
Yes we have not long to wait now. I heard a woman on the radio today and she insisted she was voting for the small children of Ireland!
Oh, I hope and hope it passes. Heard this morning that priests and some clergy are telling parishioners to vote no! It could be close! It is certainly going to be tense.
We had a letter read a few weeks ago here in Cork. I think so much is clouded by the talk of children. I have had conversations with people who really think it will mean children losing out, then they add, ‘but I’ve nothing against gays’.
I just don’t get it.
Thanks Lorna. My brother and many others will be heartened to know they have your vote. Every vote counts.