I've made my frustration with the fundie organizations using the words "family values" pretty clear here on Bilerico. I always say that if anyone knows about what "family" means, it's the LGBT community. We know these values extend far beyond the narrow definition of biology and legal recognition used by many. Our lives and struggles are a constant reminder of our commitment as a community to true family values.
These family values became even more obvious to me during my recent absence from writing on Bilerico. Some of you may or may not know that I recently had to leave Florida unexpectedly to go to Michigan because of a family medical emergency. My husband's mother found out she had lung cancer, so we jumped in our car and drove up to be there for her surgery and to support the family.
I barely had time to write the rest of the Bilerico Editorial Team to let them know what was happening. Their response showed me what true family is- "We love you, don't even worry about anything- just go take care of your family."
If that's not real family values, I don't know what is...
I got constant support from the entire Bilerico family as other contributors and readers began to pop up out of the woodwork. Many noticed I wasn't posting or that I wasn't emailing them reminders about posting on the weekends. I got emails through my Bilerico account and my social networking pages (myspace, facebook, and twitter) asking if I was okay (and many teasingly asking if I was off on another extended marriage tour).
When I told the Projectors what was going on, the love came flooding in- letters of support, videos about fighting cancer, links to research, flowers to my mother-in-law.
It all showed me that Bilerico is much more than just a blog forum- we are a family. Much like the greater LGBT community, we may disagree at times but when tragedy strikes one of us, we all come running. We may not be related by blood or have relationships that are recognized by our government, but we know what it means to be a family.
And all of you showed me that during these past few weeks.
So thank you to my crazy, dysfunctional family- The Bilerico Project. You have all helped me and my husband make it through a rough time.
And that is what family values are all about.
Cross-posted on Bilerico-Florida
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16 Comments
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Hopefully your hubbys mom is okay? and it's good to see you back.
amym440 | September 13, 2008 10:22 AM
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The prognosis is really good. They think they caught it very early and managed to remove it all. It's a true blessing.
Waymon Hudson | September 13, 2008 10:35 AM
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I'm glad to hear the prognosis is good. It's so true that as a community we have a special bond and insight that can make us extraordinary healers, but we need to take care of ourselves as individuals too, even during crises. Be certain you and Anthony take enough time for yourselves (despite the docked pay)!
Dr. David Fawcett | September 13, 2008 2:51 PM
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We are doing our best to make sure we take care of ourselves as well, which is why all the support from our extended family has been so valuable. :)
Waymon Hudson | September 13, 2008 3:04 PM
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What he doesn't tell you is that we docked his pay.
*giggles*
I'm glad you're back and I'm even more glad that Anthony's mom's prognosis is good.
*big hugs to both of you*
Bil Browning | September 13, 2008 11:56 AM
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Wait- DOn't you have to pay me before you can dock my pay? LOL...
Waymon Hudson | September 13, 2008 12:26 PM
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Sure, take a few days off and come back all lippy... That's gonna cost you another week's worth of nothing!
Bil Browning | September 14, 2008 2:50 AM
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Welcome back! Your husband and mother-in-law are lucky to have you!
You're not being paid? Send me your account information and I'll be glad to wire you what I've been paid by bilerico.com. Unfortunately, I've invested every penny in Lehman Brothers, so it may be a little while before I can get it to you.
Eric Marcus | September 13, 2008 4:37 PM
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I've heard that excuse before, Eric... Next time you'll say you forgot to sign the check. ;)
Waymon Hudson | September 13, 2008 4:45 PM
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That's okay, Eric. We pay him in Fannie Mae and Bear Stearns stock.
Bil Browning | September 14, 2008 2:54 AM
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Waymon,
I may not be a member of the immedient Bilerico family - sort of like a distant cousin - but you and Anthony are always in my heart and in my prays . . . even though you drove right past my house to go home from Indiana. (giggle)
MonicaHelms | September 13, 2008 9:59 PM
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You are totally family, Monica! You know just how to use guilt for maximum effect! ;)
Waymon Hudson | September 14, 2008 12:28 AM
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(grin)
MonicaHelms | September 14, 2008 12:42 AM
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Waymon,
My thoughts are with you and Anthony; I'm glad to hear the prognosis is good. I look forward to having you back on the Bilerico watch soon!
marc | September 13, 2008 10:25 PM
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Waymon, one of my eldest "aunties" said to me when I was a young "urchin:"
"Honey, aren't we lucky, we get to create our own families."
All the best to you and Anthony and take good care of yourselves.
Robert Ganshorn | September 14, 2008 1:17 AM
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I'm glad to hear that the prognosis is good and have a weekend off to see you back again and have a weekend off read your posts again.
But seriously, welcome back!
Alex Blaze | September 14, 2008 6:14 PM
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