The Way We Are

“… if we want our children to love and accept who they are, our job is to love and accept who we are.”

• Brené Brown, social scientist (1965 — )

Some years ago, I accompanied a friend on her appointed rounds. A hospice nurse, she cared for patients with AIDS in their homes.

One of them resembled a slimmer version of actor Rock Hudson. With dark hair and moustache, although yet on the shy side of middle age, he had seen better days.

Looking at him, I think few would have guessed his sexual orientation. So with Rock Hudson. He…