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Ricky Shidler - Lawrenceville, IL PDF  | Print |  EMail
Written by Jonathan Riggs   
Monday, 01 January 2007

Dear Instinct,

My Grandma (or “Grams,” as I call her) has always been so supportive of me. I’ve known I was gay since I was 12. I felt the need to tell her before I told my parents. I knew she would understand. So one day when I was 16, I came out to her. Her reply was simply, “I thought you were going to say that.” Image

She said that no matter what I did with my life, she would love me unconditionally. She told me that she worried about the oppression I would face as a homosexual, but that she was there for me. She was there to help with coming out to my parents and helped them see that it wasn’t anything to worry about. She helps me get ready for dates, and just a few months ago, she was helping me apply makeup for my Britney Spears Halloween costume.

She’s been to my drag performances, tipping more than anyone else and letting me know that my skirt was hiked too high. (“I could see the top of your pantyhose.” “That was the point!” “Oh! Well, then, all right!”) She welcomes all my friends, often inviting everyone out to dinner for a night of gossiping and laughs. She’ll inquire about guys she thinks I might be dating and gives advice anytime I ask for it.

Although she’s nearing 70 (and looks about 40), she has never doubted me or my choices. I thank God every day that I am blessed with such an amazing, understanding woman to call my grandmother. I tell her often how much I love her, but I usually don’t feel that my words get across how much she has positively impacted my life. I want to really let her know that her love, kindness and generosity have enormously helped me with accepting who I am as a gay man, and made me a better person. Grams, I love ya!

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Comments (9)add feed
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written by yomama on June 11, 2007

ricky, your sucha cry baby dooshbag

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written by yomama on June 11, 2007

good luck in your long life in the food service industry.

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written by Disgusted on July 23, 2007

Uugh. "Grams" should support you into getting gastric bypass.

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written by TJ on July 25, 2007

I'm glad you wore black. It's very thinning. (ha ha ha)

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written by the guy lurking in the dark behind you !!! on August 25, 2007

hope your not the kind of person who scares easily. like walking to your car after your shift at the KFC

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written by Charlotte on September 08, 2007

For those posters who just feel the need to be mean...take a look in the mirror. The ugliness on your insides is quite evident on your face. Shame on you. In a time when everyone is fighting for acceptance, you all have proven that you don't deserve it yourself.

I think this is a beautiful picture of a man and his grandmother. God bless you both.

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written by Dallas on September 29, 2007

Yes, indeed, Charlotte. Right on.

My sister and I went to Lawrenceville High School and are trying to figure out if Ricky's dad is Jay Shidler?

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written by A FRIEND on November 18, 2007

IF YOU KNEW HIM YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND.

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written by ur friend on February 29, 2008

why is this still on here?

Tell us what you think, people! If your comments are posted, we reserve the right to use these comments in our Interaction (Letters) section of the published magazine. If your comments are published in the magazine, we may edit your comments for length or clarity. Thank you!
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