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Family Matters: The Desjardins Pose Proudly |
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Thursday, 19 March 2009
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I think both my parents, Richard and Linda Desjardins, should be nominated for “Parent of the Month.” They have two gay sons who they continue to love unconditionally every day. My brother, Corey, and I could not ask for better parents! I’ve dated way too many boys whose parents are not as accepting of their sons. But for my parents, I am more than grateful. The fact that their only children are both gay and yet they have not abandoned us is more than enough for a nomination. I recently asked [my dad] why he was willing to do so much for me. He told me, “Josh, just like the money I put into the stock market, you and Corey are investments. Whatever your mom and I can do to help you out we know will pay off in the end.”
Joshua Desjardins in Sunnyside, NY
We have to admit, our jaded, cold hearts here at Instinct melted just a bit upon hearing about Richard and Linda. But once we actually heard from them, the floodgates opened.
“Our love for our two sons is unconditional,” says Richard. “We may argue with them from time to time, but we have never stopped loving them and never will. When I found out about each of them, I really sort of said to myself, ‘So what?’ I didn’t really care about that. I just wanted them to be happy, to be how God made them.”
Article continues below... 
Linda says her sons’ coming out came as a bit more of a surprise for her than her husband, but in short time she too found a place of love and acceptance for who her boys were. And while children pick up lots from their parents, both Linda and Richard are quick to point out the immense amount they have learned from their sons. “They teach me every day how to have fun and look at the bright side of things,” Linda says. “They help me see the good in the world and not to be bogged down by the little things.”
“I have learned that there’s a certain amount of freedom that comes with coming out of the closet,” Richard says. “It’s a freedom that many straight people do not enjoy. My sons hug everyone— male/female, gay/straight, black/white, short/tall. They are not afraid to show their love for someone. I, on the other hand, get nervous just shaking someone’s hand.”
Richard continues, “To me they are simply two young men making their way through life. They are two of the nicest young gentlemen you’d ever want to meet. That’s what is important to me: Did we bring them up right and are they happy? I accept my boys because I see how they live. They are kind, loving, selfless, respectful. That’s all I ever wanted from them—to be true gentlemen, and they are!”
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