Adele came to work today, and she was frantic--in tears. Adele never cries. Adele is a paraprofessional in a special education preschool for children with developmental delays of all sorts. I am a speech therapist that works at the preschool. When I asked what in the world was the matter, she told me her "roommate" was life-flighted to the hospital last night. She'd had a heart attack.
I said, "What in the world are you doing here! Go and be with her!" That is when the sobbing began. Adele said, "Her daughter won't allow me to be there."
Adele and her "roommate" have been together for 25 years. They are both 60 years old and wonderful ladies. Previously, her roomie had been married, had a child, and then divorced. Adele relates that the ex-husband was abusive. Adele met Roomie about 5 years after the divorce. They fell in love and have lived together ever since.
Roomie's daughter has never accepted her being a lesbian. The daughter refuses to invite Adele to any special family occasions and tells her mother that if Adele comes, then Mom is not welcome. Roomie has been to special occasions for her grandchild, but her grandchild has never met Adele.
I forget how some of my friends are not accepted. I forget the bigotry and meanness of people. I can't believe that 2 people who have been in love for years and would be married, if allowed, are not able to be together when they most need to be.
And now, I am waiting to hear from Adele about her Roomie. I am praying she makes it through and that the 2 of them will be together again.
Adele got a call toward the end of the day. Roomie's daughter decided to "allow" Adele to come visit tonight. I am hoping her presence will give comfort to Roomie.