The second session brought clarity to the forefront. Two of the three triplets, Thomas and Harold, described life in rural Ohio. The successful family owned and managed lumber mill included the triplets, an older brother, younger sister and their parents.

An unscheduled visit by an Amish gentleman from our area aroused their interest in visiting his lumber operation. Ergo, the triplets took a week off to catch a glimpse of something new. Our rural area was described as stimulating (my impression) than their area. This was a rare experience for me professionally. Perceptions can be misleading.

Though I did not meet others from the family, a portrait of Americana was slowly and methodically described. Three close brothers who are triplets. I’d never met triplets in person. An older brother, a younger sister and parents who believed in hard work, close-knit family, outdoor fun and adventure, and playfulness didn’t merit rationale for counseling.

The three had a few drinks at a local establishment. Richard, the only bachelor of the triplets, made an announcement that rained down on his brother’s psyche. He had met someone online, found commonality and interest, and planned to visit. This person lived in a city. This wasn’t completely foreign to them. Though not detailed, some exposure to a city had been experienced. The love of clean living rural Ohio was their druthers.

The thought of Richard, well, who knows what he had in mind? The others could only realize time without the triplets intact. Only they could imagine such a rare experience. Their closeness was surely illuminated. Could anyone besides the triplets imagine where Richard was coming from?

At our last session, Richard futher announced that he is gay. The air was sucked out of my office by the look on Thomas and Harold’s faces. Time to advance this experience. So, Richard, I asked, how long have you been holding fast to your sexual identity? Was there a plan to convey this information to your family? “Guess I was procrastinating. Damn it all, you guys. I love you, you know that. The truth is I was afraid how you, mom, dad, Peter and Joy would react. I couldn’t bear a drama. I’ve known that I am gay for a long time. I tried talking to our pastor. Sorry to say, he didn’t help. Told me to read some Bible passages and I’ll see the light. I’m glad, man, relieved you guys didn’t meet triplets. Course, if one was a guy … ” Both Thomas and Harold looked at Richard and began to cry and to laugh. The air was flowing back into the room.

Thomas looked at Richard and exclaimed, “You son-of-a-gun, I don’t know anything about this gay stuff. I do know one thing. I love you and will forever. Your life is yours to manage. Course, if any one hurts you he may have me to answer to.” “Same goes for me, Richard,” Harold chimed in. “I love you too. No matter what, we’ll always love each other.”

The three abruptly stood up and put a triplet hug to beat the band on each other. Tears flowed like rainwater. “Oh my God, Richard, how do we tell mom and dad?” This was a climactic moment.

Let me encourage you gentlemen to head home when you complete your trip here. Give some time to let this news sink in. Support your brother as he ventures outside the protective boundaries of rural Ohio and a loving family.

Richard sounds ready and eager to seek special love like you men, Thomas and Harold, have in your life. Love, understanding, compassion and support won’t wane. Glad you all honored me with a look into your stody. I began to laugh. “What’s so funny, Marshall?” Harold asked. I just figured it out — Thomas, Richard and Harold … Tom, Dick and Harry. Your folks are a hoot. You triplets, you’re going to be all right.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Marshall Greenstein, a Cassadaga resident, holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a licensed mental health counselor in New York state. He has regular office hours at Hutton and Greenstein Counseling Services, 501 E. Third St., Suite 2B, Jamestown, 484-7756. For more information or to suggest topics, email editorial@observertoday.com.