So it was time for the 25 Year Reunion of Tawas Area High School's Class of '84. Because I was class president, I've been responsible for throwing all the reunions we've held. While I come to Michigan on business a few times per year, I don't usually make it all the way up to the little, northeast, Lake Huron tourist town where they live. So, since I wasn't sure when I'd be there again--and since my father will be 77 soon and my mother is 75, I thought they might like to meet my wife, whom I just married last September. I called, and my mom picked up...
ME: Hi, Mom, it's your son...
MOM: [Sounding like she just swallowed her tongue...] Oh...hello...
ME: Well, Mom, I'm going to be in Tawas for my 25 Year Class Reunion, and I'm bringing my new wife, Rachel. I thought you and Dad might like to meet her.
MOM: Ohhh...well...I...(gasp)...I don't know...don't know how we could...[tears, gulps, pain]
ME: Mom, if you're concerned about having to be with me, don't worry about it. I can just drop her off and go somewhere else for awhile.
The entire conversation was just so painful for her. She cried much and was clearly in pain. The few times we've spoken, she's always wanted to emphasize that she still loves me. I always assure her that, of course, I know she loves me, and that I, of course, love her too. My father was attending Pioneer School that day, but she said she'd speak to him and call me back sometime. In a couple of days, she did.
MOM: We'd like to meet her, but does she want to meet us?? I can't imagine she understands.
ME: Well she doesn't really understand, Mom. No one really understands. She knows that you think I'm the bad guy because I no longer believe your religion is The Truth, and she knows I think you're the bad guys because you let a body of men manipulate you into cutting off the natural relationship you wish to have with your son. But I'm trying to be a good example to my parents by showing that--just because you may have disagreements--doesn't mean you should keep from doing the right thing where family is concerned. And, to me, the right thing is introducing my wife to my parents. So I'm offering to do that, 'cause it's the right thing to do.
MOM: I see... Well you don't need to go drive somewhere else. You can just stay in the driveway. [This was apparently offered as a kindness.]
ME: That's okay; I'll just drop her off for a bit.
MOM: Where will you go?
ME: I have lots of places to go, Mom. The hall where we're having the reunion is right around the corner; I know people there. I'm staying with James' mom and stepdad [referring to my best friend who died last year,] I can go see Joe's mom and dad, I can go right next door to Scott's house. Some people have actually called, asking me to stop by and see them. It's only my parents who won't see me.
So we arranged to stop by around 2pm this past Saturday. We first went to my friend Scott's house, which happens to be right next door to my parents. We sat there, talking awhile. He and his wife and sister were all pretty fascinated by what was about to happen! They had all sorts of questions. Then I walked Rachel up the road, up the driveway and to the end of the sidewalk; then turned and walked back next door. After about 20 minutes I called, asking if she was ready. She said she was doing fine and would call me when she was ready. She didn't call for about an hour! I then walked over again, stood at the end of the sidewalk, and waited for her to join me for the walk back.
My mom had pulled out all the photo albums, showing her my baby pictures, etc. My brother's wife happened to be there so she got to meet Rachel too. They asked her all about Kenya (her home country.) At one point my Dad asked her about her family's religion in Kenya, but my Mom sharply motioned for him not to go there. LOL! Rachel told me she had decided to be talkative, (not her usual state,) and she asked and answered and chatted and smiled the entire time. My Dad, despite my Mom's protests, said something like, "You know, it's not that we don't want to see our son, but this is just the way things are for now, and maybe we can change that soon."
I'm assuming by that last comment he thinks there may be some way to bring me back into the Watchtower religion. A hilarious thought, but I remembered he was right in the middle of attending Pioneer School, so he's probably on a Watchtower high right now.
Some might say I shouldn't have subjected myself to this, but again I felt it was the right thing to do. Not just for my parents' sake, but for Rachel's too. I wanted her to meet them--and she wanted to also. Now she'll have a somewhat better frame of reference when I tell stories about them.