Dear Mom and Dad, 

Wish you knew how bad it hurts to keep something like this from you. 

Wish you felt how I felt, the way my heart drops whenever you make a negative comment about someone just because of who they love.

What did they do to warrant such a comment? I try to avoid fighting you, but the tears sting the back of my eyes and I feel my throat closing. 

I told Mom. It didn't go well. The silence felt heavy in the air as she turned to me and said "I don't like this."

I don't like it either. 

How could you see how much it hurt me but still not say that you accept me?

I told Mom I had a girlfriend and it feels like she goes out of her way to call her my "friend"

She is not my friend.

Mom told me not to tell you, Dad. I'm hesitant. Will you accept me? Maybe. Would you be happier if I loved a man? Absolutely. 

How is our love any different from yours?

Please love me the same. Please accept me. 

I do not want this to be the end. But if it has to be, it will be.

I wish you knew. 

Sincerely, Sam