Laura waits until she’s a grandmother to tell the children she raised that she had a son before she was married. Why do you suppose she waited so long? Were you surprised by the children’s reactions?
Created: 02/16/23
Replies: 13
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3290
Laura waits until she’s a grandmother to tell the children she raised that she had a son before she was married. Why do you suppose she waited so long? Were you surprised by the children’s reactions?
Join Date: 02/08/16
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Join Date: 04/20/11
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I’m sure Laura wanted her children to be old enough to understand before telling them. I told my daughters each at age 16 to help them think about what a pregnancy at that age would do to their lives. I also made such they each received early sex education and later access to birth control when needed.
Join Date: 01/29/21
Posts: 94
I think she wanted to make sure they were mature enough to accept what she had done. Maybe not agree or totally understand, but they were old enough to realize the circumstances of the time. I believe she could have told them sooner. I was not surprised by her children's reaction, they reacted well to a mother that had raised them well and they know they were loved.
Join Date: 07/03/18
Posts: 118
In the 60s, so much shaming was directed toward unwed pregnancy, and it lasted for a long time. As opinions changed, there was still a lot of shame aimed at women who relinquished a child. So often the phrase “I could never do that,” condemned birth others and insured their silence and secrecy. Laura was treated differently by her own family and by strangers, it would have been very hard for her to share her secret.
It’s a testament to her loving parenting that her children accepted Richard.
Join Date: 02/18/23
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Join Date: 04/20/11
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I shared the news of my birth son with my two girls on their sixteen birthdays. Both of them were very supportive and wanted to meet their half brother. So when DNA brought us together at last they were both thrilled to know him and we have successfully created a new extended family. I am finally at peace!
Join Date: 09/26/12
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Join Date: 10/14/21
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I agree with swchis39 that Laura, because of the time and environment that she grew up in, was carrying a lot of shame and regret and couldn't see that her children were living in an entirely different world. The loving environment she raised them in was unlikely to be upset by this revelation so I was not surprised at their reactions.
I also agree with Susanna that revealing an inner most secret is difficult at any age, especially if there is nothing to be gained. This leads me to agree with scottishrose. If Richard had not reached out what would be the point of sharing since Laura still carried the shame and regret feelings.
Join Date: 06/25/13
Posts: 347
What you are taught when you are young stays with you and Laura was taught this was shameful. Things were different when her children found out. I would have been Iike them and would want to know my brother. It is sad she had to carry this secret for such a long time.
Join Date: 07/31/19
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