Update - and My Hardest "Coming Out" Yet

So, yesterday I sat down with all the kids and had a really amazing heart to heart conversation, letting them know exactly what the move meant for them - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I did my best to respect their mom, and told them what my demands were for visitation. They were very honest about their mixed feelings about moving, and they gave me "permission" to fight for custody if my demands aren't met. I feel closer to my kids than I ever have. They are a petty amazing bunch!

Then last night, my 15 year old daughter let me know that she wanted to stay with me and finish high school here. Her mom told her that it would be her choice. I was really happy, because we have always been really close. But the big "BUT" here, is that I hadn't come out to her yet. It's been a long time coming, and last night is really the first chance we've had in quite a while, just her and I to talk...

I told her that there were things she needed to know before she made her final decision. I told her in detail what my life has been like, why I divorced her mother, and how that has changed my my life. We talked about how it could change her life too, and we had some really great moments. She had suspected, as I figured, but now she knows everything and doesn't have to make things up in her head!

She is still planning to stay with me - and though I clarified a lot, I also confused a lot... but she promised that she'd always talk to me about anything that comes up.

Now that she knows, I can tell the others... I just wanted her to know first. So, the story will continue later this week.

It was a good day yesterday! :-)

If anyone has teenage daughters who have transitioned well through your "coming out" and they are willing to talk to my daughter, it would sure be great... especially if there is a conflicting religious religious background.