From the Inside Out: Mother & Son

So They Say, byJack A. Urquhart, follows Southern-born Rex Fordham on a five-decades-long searchfor self-acceptance.  The product of1950s conformism and self-repression, Rex sheds a burdensome past to become asuccessful architect, husband, and father; but when a same-sex affair and shatteringfamily loss end his marriage, Rex changes course to pursue life as a gay man—achoice that doesn't sit well with his mother, Baptist-to-the-bone, Inez, as abit of eavesdropping on a weekly telephone chat between mother and son reveals:
Inez (self-righteously indignant): Well, Idon't care what you say.  It's a cryin'shame Alec cain't visit his own Daddy out there in California.  Bad enough he don't pay his agin' Grandmama avisit now an' then.
Rex (seeking an opening):But, Mom, Alec's …
Inez (riding high on the sound of her own voice):He's goin' on twenty-one.  Old 'nuff tobreak free a'his Mama's apron strings. No reason for your ex-wife to hold that boy on a tight leash.  I tell you, it's just …(searching for words suitably harsh) it's plain…
Rex (taking advantage of the pause): He's inschool, Mom.  That's all.  (Quickly,husky-voiced) So, how are things in Florida?  What's new in the neighborhood?  Missus Tuttle still on her high horse?
Inez (harrumphing, ready to charge): RamonaTuttle!  That woman, with her prancin',oddball son's got no business lookin' down her nose on me!  Just 'cause she don't 'prove of how somebodylives they … (a sudden pause; a lightgoing on).  Say!  You reckon Marcia don't let Alec visit you'cause of … (hesitating, cautious)'cause you livin' with (distastefully)your friend?  He ain't…(fearful, vaguely put out) he ain't come down with nuthin'?  Y'all both bein' careful?
Rex (offended; resigned): His name is Rand,Mom.  He's perfectly healthy.  RandOsmond.  And he's much more than a …"
Inez (oblivious, shifting directions again): Beatsme how come you married Marcia in the first place.  She wasn't never no housekeeper, and …
Rex (determined, explicit): Because I loved her, Mom.  Same reason I'm with Ran—
Inez (interrupting, voice dripping sarcasm): Love! Like that's ever been 'nuff to hold two peoples together.  Just look at how …
Rex (peremptory, breaking in decidedly):Well, then!  We're finally agreed onsomething!  Love isn't always enough, isit?  Not nearly enough.
Inez (aggrieved): I declare, son.  Sometimes I think we livin' in 'endtimes'.  Just like the Bible says.
***You can order So They Say on Amazon or learn more at ww.jaurquhart.com.