Coming out letter

So... I just finished typing this letter that I'm planning to give to my parents. I'm gonna be there when they read it, and it was just kind of a nice way to organize my thoughts. It's kinda long, heh. I thought to post it here to see if anyone had suggestions on how to improve anything.

------

Dear Mom and Dad,

There has been something going on in my life for a long time that I have not told you about, and I feel like now is the time to reveal it. Telling you this is neither easy nor simple -- in fact, it’s terrifying, which is why I’m telling you in a letter-- but it’s important to me to be truthful and honest with you both, as this is something that is very much a part of me.

I love you both very, very much, which is why I haven’t said anything until I felt entirely sure and was completely comfortable with myself. I hope that you will forgive me for any dishonesty on my part, as it was all done in the name of self-protection. I don’t want to hurt either of you, and I don’t want you to think of me in a different way. I am the same person I was before this -- just happier and more honest with myself and with the world.

I am a lesbian. I am attracted to women on a variety of levels, both emotional and physical. I want to spend the rest of my life and make a family with another woman. I do not believe that this is something that will fade with time. I have been struggling with this for years, and the desire to be honest with myself finally won out last summer. It has been a long, hard journey, and I will understand if this is difficult for you to accept. It is something that was nearly impossible for me to finally accept. And when I finally, finally did, years of confusion and pain fell away. I am a happier, more secure person now due to coming out. This is something that makes my life whole and complete.

I ask for your compassion and understanding, even though I am sure this is difficult for you both. Please, please ask me any questions you have. I want this to be a step towards honesty and truth in our relationship. There are many resources available for you and for me -- books, brochures, videos, PFLAG (Parents and friends of lesbians and gays) meetings we can go to. There’s a PFLAG group held in a church down in ------- that meets once a month, and it seems like a fantastic support group if you feel like we need it.

More than anything, I want you to understand that we are not alone in this. This journey, this path, has many other people that are traveling it along with us, and I know we have their unfaltering support and love. This is not easy, but it is something that I believe we as a family can endure, and will eventually bring us closer together.

Thank you always for your support and love.