Being Thankful

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the new Health and Physical Education curriculum that has been introduced in Ontario a few weeks ago. ‎This curriculum has been super controversial. I usually tend to stay away from such topics that could place me in confrontational situations. However, I need to acknowledge one thing for my own peace of mind and happiness.

One of the changes to the curriculum that has caused an uproar is the introduction of same sex/gender families in Grade 3. Some parents believe that it could force their children to become homosexual. As parents, we have our fears. I am not here to address those fears. I am just thankful that a child who is homosexual OR has 2 mommies or 2 daddies ‎at home feels included! No child should feel like an outsider.

Couple of years ago, we lost someone who made a decision to "stay in the closet". No names shall be mentioned, however that got me thinking...why does one not live life to its fullest‎?! I decided then and there that my boys shall not face such a fate. Since then, whenever there has been an opportunity, I let the boys know that I am OK if they are homosexual and I will love them the same...not an iota less or an iota more.

Couple of friends have commented that I am encouraging the boys to be homosexual. My simple answer is that we can encourage our children to live without fear and be who they are; we cannot force them to be who they are not‎! I truly believe in respecting differences and I hope my children are respectful of differences as well.

Couple of weeks ago, this topic came up again and ASid had something like this to say, "Mom! I am sorry to disappoint you! I am just a boring heterosexual!" ASid is 14. He also had to say this about a controversial piece of clothing that has our nation's attention these days, "That's what makes us Canadian! We can wear what we want. We are cool!".

‎On that note, Happy Thanksgiving Canada!