After going through the divorce and even dating another female for two years in my early forties, I knew what I knew back in kindergarten: I liked Susie but was also attracted to Billy (just didn’t know exactly what that meant).
Only after going to my first gay bar and meeting another man did I realize that 'this is where I belong.' I stayed in the closet for another two years but when I finally came out to my kids, I realized the heavy burden I'd been carrying on my shoulders by not being honest with them or the people I love.
My kids along with the ex-wife have been nothing but supportive since coming out as I am still the same dad and person that they knew and loved but now open to being my authentic self.
Of course, as I mentioned, coming from a large Catholic family not everyone (including some of my siblings) are so understanding, but I realize that that is their issue and not mine.