Telling mom

There is a moment in every gay man's life that defines a "before" and "after". It's that moment when you tell your mom you are not gonna bring a little wife to the holiday diner. For me it was almost 8 years ago one rainy afternoon on a park bench. Lots of tissues and late night phone calls later we are better friends with stronger mutual understanding.
This week my partner R told his mom. He made a decision to celebrate his 27 birthday with self liberation. R comes from a relatively conservative family although not religious and his moms' response could not be predicted fully. He told her in the presence of his older sister and a frozen silent was the immediate response. R is very close to his mother and the courage to risk endangering this bond is not to be taken lightly. The conversation was tense and many tears were shed (mostly by him).
I am so happy for him, he made such amazing progress in very few months. The coming weeks will not be easy but I believe he will be a stronger person after.
It's a little know secret but once you have confronted your parents with coming out, many other life challenges are reduced into minor obstacles. Gay men have to go through their mama! After that even the scariest boss is easy to handle.
If anyone is reading it, would love to hear some of your experiences.