The Mennonite - A New Start 39 BG
My Name is Elizabeth Gunderson (Beth) I was adopted at 3 days old by the most wonderful two gay men in the world. My Daddy-Micah and Poppa-Clayton, I joined my big brother Adam in this wonderful family The Gunderson's. Yes they are gay and if you can't handle this fact it's your loss in life. I was raised with love and affection. I was given up by my real parents because I was born with Downs Syndrome as imperfect. But my Daddy and Poppa loved me even more because I was special, created just the way God intended me to be. I'm married to the love of my life a redheaded giant of man Galen who was taken by the Gunderson's when his Mom's kicked him out at 17. He had always loved me and when he told them they put him out.
We have 5 children of our own 4 natural and one adopted, Seth is like me special. He is the smartest of our children; he has to be, he works three times as hard as the others to keep up with them and then passes them up. As a family we are very blessed in our lives.
I have a new niece Jessika Elizabeth Gunderson who was born to my brother and his husband Ned; she also has Downs and I help them to understand how special she is, her big brother David Earl loves his sister so very much.
We the Gunderson's own The Company Gunderson and Gunderson; we are an international Company from outside Spanish Lookout Belize in the Giving Community. The Community was founded by my parents Micah and Clayton and my late Uncle's Izaiah and Lars Gunderson. A place where we give a hand up not a hand out, we take in children that are rejected by others because of mental or physical differences and others because they were rejected by their family's for being gay. In Belize they still beat people because they are born different (Gay), we are a safe haven.
Daddy and Poppa are getting older and retired from the Business, Daddy's heart is failing and Poppa has stage-4 prostate cancer, as he said; he beat thyroid cancer twice before but not this time so they are enjoying their grandchildren and their time left together.
We still have weekly family meals together and if we need advice we still ask them for it. Daddy and Poppa decreed that the youngest Alec will get their home, and because he's only 15 he will live with either Rob and Joe or David and Ned, it's his choice if they pass away before he turns 18 and gets married to Max Reedmen his true love. Yes my little brother is gay so deal with it, he's known since he was 11. He hopes that one of them will be there for his joining but he knows there's not enough time.
Alec made a plea to the Council of Elders that they would allow a special joining ceremony so Daddy and Poppa could see him with his intended; Daddy had served on this same Council for years and the said they would consider the request as a special honor.
I asked Poppa if he or Daddy could receive any different medical help. This is what he told me. Beth my beautiful smart daughter, Your Daddy has seen the best Doctors in the field in Austin TX. at TCA Austin and I trust Dr. Sanchez's diagnosis. Your Daddy is tired sweetheart he has given all he has to all of you children he has to give. I am out of remission for the second time and there won't be any more for me, three strikes. We have done all that we can for our children, all that we ask is that you children honor our request.
Poppa you know that we will do anything you and Daddy ask of us. It's just so hard for us. Beth; just think about how hard it is for us, I watch your Daddy fade a little more every day. But I choose to remember him as that good looking stud I first saw at the border when I was coming into Belize, when I moved here all those years ago, and soon I will see that young man good looking man again. I still remember the first ice cream we shared at the WD store in S.L. it's these memories that get me through the day.
Sorry Poppa; I didn't mean to seem greedy but I don't want to let either of you go. Beth; it's not goodbye it's we'll see you later, on the other side and we love all of you. Alec came in and hugged Poppa's neck and told him that he loved him for all that he and Daddy had done for him. He whispered in Beth's ear tonight 6:00pm have them there at the hall. Alec said; Poppa I'm going to be at Max's house doing homework for a few hours and will be back about 7:00pm. Poppa said; have fun with Max and tell him we love him. Alec left out the door.
Poppa if you and Daddy can be ready at about 5:00 Galen, I and the kids want to take you for ice cream, and wear something nice. Seth said; he wants to treat you two tonight. Poppa responded it must be special for Seth to spend his money; he's such a little tightwad like his Granddaddy used to be. Yes dear we will be ready.
We had a great time eating Ice Cream at WD. We drove back to the house, Galen said; we need to stop for a minute at the hall someone said; it was left dirty and a few chairs were broken and Beth has to check on it. Galen asked us to get out and come in for a minute.
When He opened the door, Alec stood there dressed in an all-white suit. I thought you two would never get here in time for my joining to Max, you have to walk me to my intended. Micah started to cry as did I, How son you're not old enough to be joined asked Micah. Daddy the Council of Elders approved this joining so all you two have to do is sign the papers.
The Ceremony was perfect; it was a great honor for our parents to see their youngest child joined to the love of his life. The Council of Elders thanked Daddy and Poppa for all of their years of selfless giving of themselves to the Community.
My phone rang at 3:35am it was Poppa, he said; He's gone, your Daddy's gone. I replied we are on our way Poppa. I woke Galen and said; call the family, Poppa needs us now more than ever. I walked into Seth's room and he was sitting on his bed dressed and said; we need to keep Poppa Clayton Company now that Granddaddy Micah has gone to Heaven. I asked my son how he knew about my Daddy, Seth replied; Momma he stopped by on his way to Heaven say goodbye and to help Poppa since he was going to be sad now.
I walked into the living room and hugged my sweet husband and said; did you hear what our son had to say about Daddy. Galen responded; those two always did have their own special relationship. Adam called and said; he and Makayla would stop by and tell Alec and Max at the guesthouse. Thank you brother we will see you at the house.
Soon Daddy and Poppa's house was bursting at the seams with family and friends.
Daddies funereal had to be held outside because there were so many people to bid their farewells. From Elders to Government Officials and common folk; Poppa had no idea Daddy had touched so many lives here in Belize. Seth walked up to the podium and read his statement;
I'm here today because of one man, the man that I had the privilege to call Granddaddy Micah. He told me the only person that could hold me back was myself, when someone slams the front door in my face, use the back door and prove to them I am worthy of them. He said; I wasn't born different I was born special just the way the master meant for me to be. I will never forget him; I will remember the greatest man in my life every day.
Grand Daddy Micah; I Love You.
There wasn't a dry eye after Seth's speech, we walk up to Poppa and hugged his neck and said; I love you too Poppa then sat beside him.
Daddy's casket was handmade by Anne at Daddy's request and it was beautiful, we had several inquiries if they could order one for themselves. Anne replied only if all of the funds went to a special account to help educate the one's that Daddy and Poppa took into the giving community when they had been rejected by their own. Poppa said; Daddy would like that idea young lady, and in his words "Go for it".
I was so proud of the little boy that Daddy brought into my life. Seth was gentle and caring but he had my Daddy's stubborn streak. Seth informed me and his father that he was going to spend a few days at Poppa's since Alec was on his Honeymoon and Granddaddy told him to look after Poppa. Poppa smiled and hugged him and said; you are very welcome to stay as long as you want to if it's okay with you parents. Galen said; we would be honored if he wanted to stay.
My little boy wasn't so little anymore, he was a great young man molded by the two greatest men in my life, my Daddy and Poppa. I would take credit for Seth but he always held a special place in my Daddy's heart, they were like two peas in a pod always going somewhere new on a new adventure. Galen and I were so proud for Seth to have someone that special in his life.
Seth asked Poppa if he wanted to meet someone very special to me, Grand Daddy Micah knew my secret and he wanted him to meet her. She's my everything Poppa; but her parents don't want her to see me because I'm retarded as her father says.
Seth Gunderson; you know we never use that word in this house no matter what anyone else says. I know Poppa but you had to hear what he calls me behind my back to Bethany, she is very upset that we will never get to see each other now that Daddy Micah is gone. They wouldn't even let her come to his funereal and it made me sad that she wasn't there because he believed in our love for each other. Poppa I'm 17-1/2 and she just turned 18 last week her father said; we would never be, but since we are legal now he can't stop us can he.
Seth I want to meet this young lady of yours and have a talk with her, and then I will have a talk with her parents. Seth was excited and said; we can meet at the WD store tomorrow if it's ok with you. I asked; Seth do your parents know about her yet? No sir not yet but after you meet her then they can meet her.
We went to the WD store to meet his friend, Seth said; Granddaddy sat in the truck for a while so we could have some alone time before he came inside can you do the same thing Poppa. I sat in the truck while he went inside, Seth walked up to a young lady sitting alone, I realized what my grandson found so appealing about her. She was blonde headed and had very thick glasses due to her severity of Downs Syndrome. I sat in my truck and tears ran down my cheeks when a lady walked up and said; they are really in love aren't they. Marie Sanders introduced herself as Bethany's mother, you must be Clayton, Seth's Poppa, I had the privilege of meeting your husband Micah several times and I'm sorry for you loss. I looked at Marie and said; why are we sitting outside when those two perfect Angels are inside all alone. We need to get those two together and the sooner the better. Marie said; I agree and I don't give a damn what my husband thinks about it.
We walked inside and Marie sat beside her daughter and I sat beside Seth, Bethany was so excited to finally meet me. She offered her condolences for my recent loss. I thanked her for her words of comfort. I broke the ice when I asked; when do you young folks plan on tying the knot. Seth and Bethany were embarrassed at my bluntness. Marie said; it's about time isn't it, they were joined for life no matter what her father thinks, he can get over it or it's his loss.
I asked my grandson if he wanted to introduce his future wife to his parents or was her father going to win this battle. Seth reached over the table and took Bethany's hand and said; will you marry me and be my wife, Bethany replied only if you will be my husband. They both said; yes. I looked to Marie I know just who will make her dress. Andr? and Annabelle will do it on the house for family. But first we need to tell Galen and Beth.
I called Galen and asked if he was at home, he said he was at the farm. Galen Earl Gunderson; get your big ass to your house and wait for us there and make sure Beth is there also and I hung up the phone. He started to blow up my phone with call after call and then he started to call Seth's phone, suddenly both phones were ringing. I slipped off my wedding band and handed it to Seth, if you intent to present her to your folks she will need a ring. But Poppa that's the ring Granddaddy gave to you, yes it is Seth and where I will be going I won't need it and I have Micah's ring at home waiting for you. He slipped it on her finger.
We arrived at the house, Seth and Bethany walked up to the front door he opened the door and they walked inside. After a few minutes Galen walked outside and looked in our direction and said; Poppa you and Daddy have always had a way of making a point when it comes to what Seth is capable of doing in his life and I love you for it. He shook Marie's hand and asked her to come inside and meet Seth's mom, I was going to walk away when he said; Poppa you aren't going anywhere but inside.
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