"Warrior Mom"
A few days after her 16-year-old son, Ari, told her he's gay, Colette Beighley gave him a book, "Coming Out: An Act of Love."
Read the Sunday, February 17, 2008, Grand Rapids Press article on the Beighley family. Photos from the online and hard copy of the article.He read it, then came downstairs to the kitchen, where his sister was hanging out with a friend. "Thanks, Mom," he told Beighley, then put the book face down on the counter, hiding the title. "I flipped the book over, title facing up," Beighley recalls. "I said, 'Ari, that's not how we're gonna live.'" Her life hasn't been the same since.
Above David is cooking, and Chloe (16 and incredible) and I are reading the recipe .
This photo was taken on the campus of GVSU at a panel following the film "Anyone and Everyone" -- stories about how families of varying faith traditions as well as ethnicities have handled their child's coming out.
My Ari at eleven months old (drooling all over me), right after we moved to Michigan from the San Francisco Bay Area.
And my handsome Ari now as a sophomore at St. Johns College in Annapolis, Maryland.This article may be entitled "Warrior Mom" but there could easily be a story on each on of my amazing family members. We have a "Warrior Dad," "Warrior Brothers," "Warrior Sister," "Warrior Sister-in-law." Each is so brave! This story may be about me but consider it in this context: I couldn't have done any of this without the full support of this family.
I love you guys!
Labels: coming out, family, love, support, Triangle Foundation
posted by Colette Seguin Beighley @ 1:50 PM
5 Comments:
Amazing, incredible...I am speechless! Thank you for your incredible work, and for sharing your spirit with us!
Ann Ronayne
Windfire, Traverse City
Just read a long article on you and your family. You are all inspiring and so filled with love. Thank you!
Hi! Michael-in-Norfolk sent me your way. I've glanced over the blog a bit and it looks interesting. I'll be back to check out more. I haven't read the article yet but want to. I'm curious about this Triangle Foundation.
Come check out my blog, especially the links at the bottom of the right column under "bits of information that might help clear up some of the muddle." (Brevity isn't my strength.)
http://javajones-mylife.blogspot.com
Just read the article (found via Michael) - fantastic.
I only wish everyone could react like you do when someone in their family comes out.
I think we all long for the acceptance you and your husband so freely give to all your children and other people's children who are gay. To risk and then experience community wide censure in Spring Lake by coming out in full acknowledgment and acceptance of your son took great courage and strength of self. Regarding the religious community: "Religion is for those who want to avoid hell. Spirituality is for those who have been there" Blessings to you and all your family, Colette.
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